The NBA Finals are heating up, and the New York Knicks are evaluating their roster strategy. Veteran guard Jordan Clarkson’s role is uncertain as the series progresses. Clarkson, who is 33 years old, has struggled to maintain his spot in the lineup.
Clarkson’s Limited Impact
In Game 1 of the Finals, Clarkson received six minutes of playing time. He stepped in due to Jalen Brunson’s injury concerns early in the game but made minimal contributions. Clarkson attempted only one shot from three-point range and managed one rebound before getting a foul.
Despite finishing with a +2 rating, it wasn’t enough for Coach Mike Brown to keep him in for Game 2. Instead, he opted for Jose Alvarado, who brought energy and performance that Clarkson lacked.
Alvarado vs. Clarkson: A Shift in Bench Options
Alvarado’s performance has risen significantly. In Game 1, he scored seven points, collected four rebounds, and provided an assist in just 11 minutes. In contrast, Clarkson’s playoff contributions have diminished, averaging only 8.8 minutes in recent games. His shooting has been particularly problematic, hitting just 14.3% from three-point range.
- Game 1 vs. Spurs: Alvarado – 7 points, 4 rebounds
- Game 2 vs. Spurs: Alvarado – 2 points, 3 rebounds
- Clarkson’s playoff shooting: 2-of-14 from three-point range
Uncertain Future for Clarkson
As the series moves to New York for Games 3 and 4, questions linger about Clarkson’s future role. Coach Brown has other options that he seems to prefer over Clarkson, including Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Miles McBride. Clarkson’s fate appears uncertain if he cannot find a way to contribute effectively.
As the Knicks push towards claiming a championship, every player’s performance will matter. Clarkson needs to step up if he hopes to reclaim his position in the rotation.
