{"id":181082,"date":"2025-07-19T10:03:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-19T10:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/181082\/"},"modified":"2025-07-19T10:03:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-19T10:03:12","slug":"clarkson-yabusele-to-have-crucial-impact-on-new-look-knicks-the-lead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/181082\/","title":{"rendered":"Clarkson, Yabusele to Have Crucial Impact on New-Look Knicks \u2013 The Lead"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Knicks made two impact signings this offseason, inking Jordan Clarkson<\/a> to a veteran minimum deal and Guerschon Yabusele<\/a> with most of their taxpayer mid-level exception.<\/p>\n

Clarkson and Yabusele will likely join New York\u2019s bench unit, which averaged\u00a0only 21.7 points per game<\/a> last season\u2014 the worst in the NBA by a wide margin.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mike Brown<\/a> is expected to utilize his bench more than Tom Thibodeau did, so Clarkson and Yabusele are likely to play major roles in Brown\u2019s lineup configuration.<\/p>\n

Clarkson\u2019s offensive involvement<\/p>\n

Jordan Clarkson had one year left on his contract when the Utah Jazz decided to buy him out, allowing him to test free agency.<\/p>\n

The Knicks wasted no time and signed Clarkson the same day Utah completed a buyout with him. Clarkson will have a massive role in New York\u2019s offense in the \u201cnon-Jalen Brunson<\/a>\u201d minutes. <\/p>\n

Mike Brown recently coached Malik Monk<\/a>, who finished in the top five in Sixth Man of the Year voting in back-to-back seasons. While older and having more mileage in the league, Clarkson should bring a similar dynamic to the Knicks under Brown.<\/p>\n

The former Sixth Man of the Year has always had an uncanny knack for scoring in bunches, but over the past two seasons, playing for a struggling Utah team has stifled Clarkson\u2019s impact. Clarkson\u2019s true shooting ranked in the\u00a030th percentile last season<\/a>, meaning he simply missed many shots, especially since his shot quality is in the 75th percentile. <\/p>\n

Legendary NBA commentator Mike Breen hilariously criticized his shot selection when the Jazz visited the Knicks last season.<\/p>\n

Yabusele brings a well-rounded game<\/p>\n

Guerschon Yabusele to the Knicks was one of the most surprising signings this offseason. San Antonio was thought to be the top contender to lure Yabusele away from Philly.<\/p>\n

However, Yabusele chose to sign with the Sixers\u2019 Eastern Conference rival. He had a strong return to the NBA season with the 76ers, averaging 11.0 points (50% FG, 38% 3PT, 73% FT), 5.6 rebounds, and starting 43 of his 70 appearances.<\/p>\n

Yabusele brings grit, physicality, and valuable wing depth to a team that lacked a consistent backup behind Mikal Bridges<\/a> and OG Anunoby<\/a>. He does not have one standout skill but instead offers a well-rounded game, forcing turnovers, protecting the rim, rim-running, and consistent three-point shooting.<\/p>\n

A caveat to Yabusele\u2019s contract is that he signed for slightly less than the full taxpayer mid-level exception. Now, the Knicks will have more room below the second apron to sign a player to the veteran minimum and another to a standard rookie contract. Mohamed Diawara<\/a> and Kevin McCullar<\/a> are the likely candidates.<\/p>\n

Updated Knicks offseason<\/p>\n

*\u20e3 Starting salary for Guerschon Yabusele is $5.5M. There is a player option in year 2.<\/p>\n

*\u20e3 By Yabusele not signing for the full tax ML ($5.685M), NY is $3.7M below the 2nd apron hard cap.<\/p>\n

*\u20e3 2 roster spots: Veteran minimum ($2.29M) and 2nd rd.\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/mKp0MMSvzb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 7, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n