How the Knicks Upgraded Their Bench with Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele

The Knicks finally addressed last season’s biggest weaknesses by bringing in a shot-creator and a bruising French baller with skill.

Jordan Clarkson & Guerschon Yabusele (BenJayCreates)

After a quiet start to free agency, the New York Knicks are making noise again. Rather than chasing superstars, they’ve made two smart, timely additions that directly address one of last season’s biggest weaknesses: bench depth.

First came Jordan Clarkson. On Monday, he agreed to a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, which cleared the way for him to join New York. Once he clears waivers on Wednesday, he’s expected to sign a veteran’s minimum deal with the Knicks. That’s a crucial detail, since New York is already operating above the luxury-tax threshold. Then, just a day later, French forward Guerschon Yabusele joined the party, agreeing to a two-year, $12 million contract with a player option.

Neither signing broke the bank, but both could make a major impact.

Jordan Clarkson: A Scoring Spark Plug Off the Pine

Let’s start with the bigger name. Clarkson is the kind of offensive weapon the Knicks’ bench has sorely lacked. Last season, New York’s reserves ranked dead last in the league in both points per game and minutes played. The team relied heavily on Jalen Brunson, who led the NBA in ball-handling time, and Mikal Bridges, who logged over 3,000 minutes, more than any other player in the league.

Clarkson gives the Knicks something they haven’t had in a while: a bonafide bench scorer who can create his own shot at will. He put up 16.2 points and 3.7 assists per game last season in Utah, shooting 40.8% from the field and a respectable 36.2% from three. In 2021, he won Sixth Man of the Year while averaging 18.4 points, proving he can carry second-unit offenses with ease.

He’s got a knack for heating up in a hurry. Basketball fans call players like him “microwave scorers” for a reason. Clarkson’s isolation skills, ability to break down defenders one-on-one, and feel for the mid-range game make him one of the more entertaining players to watch in short bursts. He doesn’t rely on raw athleticism, instead leveraging footwork, timing, and confidence to get his buckets.

He’ll bring a new dynamic to the Knicks’ backcourt. He can either take over as the primary ball-handler when Brunson sits or share the court with him in crunch time when the Knicks need another shot creator. Clarkson is also a surprisingly effective playmaker in spurts. He won’t be mistaken for Chris Paul, but he can find open teammates when defenses collapse.

Pairing him with Miles McBride makes a lot of sense. Deuce has been officially the Knicks’ back-up point-guard on defense, tasked with guarding opposing ball handlers. However, on offense, he’s used more like a small wing, concentrating on spacing the floor, making cuts, and shooting from the corners and the top of the key rather than orchestrating the offense.

With Jordan Clarkson joining the team, Clarkson will take on more ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities, while still being able to defend off the ball. This balance allows both players to play to their strengths and adds flexibility to the Knicks’ second unit.

Clarkson is also a major upgrade over Cameron Payne, who struggled to make an impact last season, averaging just 6.9 points and 2.8 assists per game. With Clarkson’s proven scoring ability and playmaking skills, the Knicks can expect a much more reliable offensive spark off the bench.

Now, it’s not all sunshine. Clarkson can be a streaky shooter, and his shot selection sometimes draws groans. Defensively, he’s never been known for his lockdown ability. He struggles against bigger, stronger guards and can get lost off the ball. When the jumper isn’t falling, his body language occasionally dips, and his decision-making under pressure isn’t always pristine.

But the pros far outweigh the cons. Clarkson’s scoring off the bench is elite, he’s a steady veteran presence with 11 years under his belt, and he’s adored by teammates for his laid-back personality and positive locker room presence. He’s coachable, brings good energy, and fits the Knicks' gritty, team-first culture.

Bottom line: Clarkson is the type of veteran guard who can keep the offense afloat when the starters rest, and occasionally win you a game when he gets hot.

Guerschon Yabusele: The Dancing Bear Is Back

On the heels of Clarkson, the Knicks bolstered their frontcourt with the signing of Guerschon Yabusele. The former first-round pick is looking for a second NBA chance and New York might just be the right place to earn it.

Yabusele, 29, is a bulldozing six-foot-eight forward with a 265-pound frame and surprising finesse for a man his size. After carving out a successful stint in Europe, capped by a strong showing with Real Madrid and an Olympic run with France, Yabusele returned to the NBA last season with the Sixers. In 70 games, he averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 50.1% shooting overall and a solid 38% from deep.

He’s not just a bruiser. He can shoot, handle, and pass, giving the Knicks a rare blend of physicality and skill off the bench. Yabusele shot nearly 40% on catch-and-shoot threes, and per Synergy, ranked in the 96th percentile in transition. He’s comfortable rolling to the rim, popping out beyond the arc, or running the floor in small-ball lineups.

His versatility is key. With Precious Achiuwa failing to make a consistent impact last season, Yabusele becomes the clear-cut upgrade in that role. He can play both forward spots or slide into small-ball five duties when needed. Once Mitchell Robinson returned late last season, the Knicks had just one bench regular taller than six-foot-eight. Yabusele changes that.

Offensively, he’s a tough cover. He can bully smaller defenders on the block, attack closeouts, and pass on the move out of the short roll. Defensively, he has some limitations. Foot speed is an issue, especially on the perimeter, and he’s prone to losing focus off-ball. He’s also not a dominant rim protector.

Still, his energy and ball-IQ make up for it. He’s strong in passing lanes, anticipates well, and can defend multiple positions in short stretches. Plus, his journey from former first-round pick to European standout and back to the NBA adds a layer of toughness and hunger that should serve him well in New York.

In a bench unit that desperately needed size, floor spacing, and a touch of playmaking, Yabusele checks every box.

Final Thoughts: The Knicks' Blueprint Is Taking Shape

The Knicks didn’t chase the biggest names this summer, but maybe that’s the point. These aren’t headline-grabbers. These are culture moves. Functional moves. Winning moves.

Clarkson adds instant offense, spacing, and a secondary shot-creator to the backcourt. Yabusele provides strength, shooting, and front-court versatility. Both will allow New York’s stars to rest more often without fear of the game spiralling out of control. And with a new head coach likely to embrace deeper rotations, these additions could be key to unlocking a more balanced, consistent Knicks attack.

New York’s bench is finally getting the reinforcements it needs. And while it might not be flashy, it’s exactly what this team has been missing.

The Knicks aren’t just adding players. They’re building something real.