The New York Knicks have looked like a completely different team through their first five games of the 2025–26 regular season — and that’s because they are. Mike Brown replaced Tom Thibodeau, Guerschon Yabusele has bolstered the bench, and rookie Tyler Kolek is beginning to carve out a role in the rotation.

But perhaps the most notable offseason addition was Jordan Clarkson, who signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract, bringing his elite scoring pedigree to the roster. Clarkson spent the last six and a half seasons with the Utah Jazz, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier sixth men, averaging 17.5 points per game and winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2020–21.

Things Start to Shift

Clarkson’s new role in New York hasn’t gone as planned — for either the team or the player. He’s averaging just 6.8 points on 32.4% shooting from the field and 29.4% from three, far from the offensive punch he’s known for.

He’s no longer the team’s primary ball-handler, nor its first scoring option off the bench. That responsibility has shifted to Miles “Deuce” McBride, whose defensive effort and consistency have earned him a larger role.

“I guess it’s a whole new learning for me,” Clarkson told The New York Post. “New coach, new system, new team. Just trying to pick up on everything I can.”

Clarkson has never averaged fewer than 10 points per game in his career, and this season marks the fewest minutes he’s played — just 14.8 per game, nearly eight fewer than last season’s average of 22.5. The reduced playing time has limited his opportunities to establish rhythm and confidence on the floor.

What Needs Changing?

Defensively, Clarkson remains a work in progress. While he did earn the team’s “Timberland Boots and Hard Hat” award — a postgame tradition for the Knicks’ best defensive player — after a solid outing against the Boston Celtics, he’s not widely known for his defense-first mentality.

Through five games, Clarkson holds a 120.6 defensive rating, indicating how many points opponents score per 100 possessions with him on the floor. In that same Boston game, the Celtics shot 40% while he was on the court — not disastrous, but far from ideal.

Offensively, his shot selection has also drawn criticism. Forced or contested attempts in transition and failed foul-baiting plays have led to costly turnovers and disrupted possessions. Last season, Clarkson averaged 13.3 field-goal attempts per game, so it’s understandable he’s trying to find that same rhythm.

But at this stage, the difference between a good shot and a bad one is often clear before he even releases it.

What’s Next?

To regain trust in the rotation, Clarkson must make a stronger impact in the limited minutes he’s given — and that starts with composure. Playing with control instead of urgency could allow him to thrive as a stabilizing scorer rather than a volume shooter off the bench.

Currently sitting behind Mikal Bridges and McBride in the shooting guard rotation, Clarkson faces an uphill battle to reclaim a consistent role. If he can’t find his footing soon, the Knicks could explore trade options for the 33-year-old — or possibly reduce his role even further.