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Jordan Clarkson of the New York Knicks reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup.
The New York Knicks continue to reshape their rotation around defense and versatility, and the latest move is already drawing a response from within the locker room.
After Jeremy Sochan shared a social media post signaling his arrival in New York, Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson reacted with a brief light-hearted response:
🤣🤣
The emoji-only reaction was lighthearted on its face. Still, it underscored a growing reality for New York’s bench: Sochan’s arrival adds yet another defensive-minded, switchable player to a rotation that has increasingly prioritized stops, size, and flexibility over pure scoring.
Sochan Brings Defensive Versatility to Knicks Bench
GettyFormer San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan is tied up by ex-New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo.
Sochan, a 22-year-old former lottery pick, is expected to sign a rest-of-season deal with the Knicks after clearing waivers following his release from the San Antonio Spurs.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Sochan chose New York over nine other interested teams.
“Sochan will sign a rest-of-season deal and give the Knicks a young, athletic wing with versatility and size,” Charania reported, noting that Sochan averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 25.3 minutes across 212 career games with San Antonio.
Known primarily for his defense, Sochan can guard multiple positions and operate comfortably in switching schemes — qualities that align with how New York has constructed its rotation this season.
Clarkson Addresses Shrinking Role With Knicks
Clarkson’s reaction comes amid a period of adjustment for the veteran scorer, who joined the Knicks in the offseason following a buyout with the Utah Jazz.
Earlier this month, Clarkson spoke candidly with Stefan Bondy of The New York Post about adapting to a reduced role.
“Offensively and defensively,” Clarkson said. “They’re asking me to do things defensively as well. And then offensively, I got to figure it out and make stuff out of what comes in the offense in terms of opportunities.
“It’s not like I’m featured in the offense or anything. I’m playing hard, I’m crashing the glass, figuring out different things — little things to be effective on that end. So it’s a whole new thing for me. But I’ll continue to be a pro and stay in the gym and working on my craft and keep it going.”
Minutes Decline After NBA Cup Run
Clarkson’s comments follow a steady decline in playing time.
After playing a pivotal role in the Knicks’ NBA Cup championship run, his minutes have dropped significantly, including stretches of coach’s decision DNPs as the rotation tightened.
The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award winner is now averaging 18.9 minutes per game, the lowest of his career, while posting 9.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists — all career lows.
The decline reflects a broader shift in how the Knicks allocate minutes, favoring defensive consistency and lineup versatility over individual shot creation.
Knicks’ Direction Comes Into Focus
Sochan’s addition only reinforces that direction.
With defenders such as OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, and most recently, rookie Mohamed Diawara setting the tone on the wing and the Knicks continuing to reward effort and adaptability, offensive roles — particularly off the bench — have become increasingly situational.
Clarkson acknowledged the challenge without frustration, framing it as part of his responsibility as a veteran.
The Knicks have built a versatile team with a deeper bench than last season, designed to get over the hump.
Clarkson’s emoji reaction may have been playful, but it reflected an understanding shared throughout the locker room — competition for minutes is only intensifying as the Knicks double down on who they want to be.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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