The Knicks entered free agency with limited avenues to improve the roster. But even with meager resources, they made two deals on the margins to add offensive versatility to their lineup.
New York agreed to a deal with guard Jordan Clarkson on the first day, and Day 2 saw the club agree on a two-year, $12 million contract with Guerschon Yabusele with a player option in the final year. The Knicks now have more shot creation and can trot out lineups with more perimeter shooting that defenses have to respect.
The two free-agent additions add scoring punch and depth to what was a limited Knicks bench. Last season, they were dead last in bench points per game (21.7) and second-to-last in the category during the playoffs.
Clarkson’s never been an uber-efficient scorer, but he’s been a consistent shot creator over 11 NBA seasons. A former Sixth Man of the Year, Clarkson has never averaged fewer than 15.0 points in the last seven seasons, despite being a full-time starter in just one of those years.
Clarkson is comfortable with the ball in his hands. He shot 36 percent on 114 pull-up three-point attempts last season, per NBA Stats. As we saw during the playoffs, the Knicks lacked perimeter shot creation outside of Jalen Brunson. The 33-year-old Clarkson is capable of being a consistent pick-and-roll ball-handler that the Knicks can go to when Brunson sits.
He’s not a very good finisher at the rim — shooting just 58.4 percent in the restricted area over the last two seasons, according to NBA Stats — but Clarkson’s able to get into the paint, which could provide good returns for New York’s other players.
Clarkson has also improved as a passer. He’s not a natural point guard by any stretch, but he’s averaged 4.5 assists over the last three seasons after not having averaged more than 3.5 assists in any of his first eight seasons.
Shooting upgrade
Yabusele is essentially taking Precious Achiuwa’s place on the Knicks' roster. At 6-foot-8, Achiuwa was often too small to play center, but it was also difficult to play him as a power forward, as he shot just 27.8 percent on 36 three-point attempts last season.
Yabusele’s ability to stretch the floor is one of his standout skills. The fourth-year forward connected on 104 of 274 three-pointers (38 percent) with the 76ers last season. As a stretch four, Yabusele will allow the Knicks to have size in the frontcourt, while simultaneously being able to field five-out lineups with shooters at every position.
That would be useful for Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who both saw crowds of defenders in the paint. But Yabusele’s more than just a spot-up shooter — the Frenchman shot 71 percent in the restricted area last year.
Despite carrying a 260-pound frame, Yabusele is like a freight train, attacking on drives. He also runs the floor very well. With a full head of steam, there are not many players willing to get in front of Yabusele.
Defense second
Adding both players will not improve New York’s defense. In Clarkson’s case, the defensive end will be a concern. Much like Brunson, teams will look to force him to switch on to their best offensive players. However, the Knicks have to live with Clarkson’s weaknesses at that price point.
Defense is not Yabusele’s best skill either. With 76ers centers Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond out for large portions of last season, Yabusele was forced to play more center than expected. With the Knicks, expect him to man the four position almost exclusively. That should mitigate Yabusele’s limitations as a rim protector or a lateral defender.
Neither of these signings broke the bank or were home runs, but it was important for the Knicks to find a way to add depth. For large chunks of the playoffs, they fully trusted only seven players in the rotation. Now, new head coach Mike Brown will have more options and versatility to mix and match different lineups throughout the regular season and playoffs.
