Jordan Clarkson, Knicks
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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 will visit the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, setting up an emotional homecoming for veteran guard Jordan Clarkson.
Clarkson spent more than five seasons in Utah and enjoyed the most productive stretch of his career there, including winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. Now returning to Salt Lake City as a member of the Knicks, Clarkson arrives in a very different role — one he says he accepts without frustration.
The veteran guard has largely fallen out of coach Mike Brown’s rotation in recent weeks, including Monday’s 126–118 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Clarkson played just three minutes, finishing scoreless with one assist and one turnover without attempting a shot, highlighting how dramatically his role has shifted in New York’s crowded backcourt.
Still, Clarkson insists he never arrived expecting guaranteed minutes.
“I ain’t coming in expecting anything, honestly,” Clarkson said, via the New York Post. “A lot of people made expectations on my arrival and what I can do and what I’ve done my whole career. But not knowing anything, I came here with an open canvas. I just knew one goal and what we wanted to do, and that’s to win.”
Clarkson said conversations with Knicks leaders reinforced that mindset.
“Talking to Josh [Hart] and Jalen [Brunson] before this, we never talked about anything but winning,” Clarkson said. “We’re trying to get the goal done.”
Mike Brown Explains Clarkson’s Role
Clarkson’s reduced minutes largely reflect the Knicks’ deep bench rotation.
Coach Mike Brown has leaned heavily on defensive lineups, limiting Clarkson’s opportunities despite his reputation as a microwave scorer.
Still, Brown recently reminded reporters that Clarkson remains a scoring option when the offense stalls.
During Sunday’s 110-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Brown inserted Clarkson in the second half, searching for a spark.
The veteran responded with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting in just 10 minutes.
“He’s a guy we can lean on. He can put the ball in the hole,” Brown said. “We were struggling to do that. So I threw him out there to see if we could mix it up.”
Brown acknowledged the difficulty of distributing minutes across a crowded bench.
“It’s hard to play 10 guys. It’s hard to play nine guys,” Brown said.
Knicks Depth Limiting Clarkson’s Opportunities
Clarkson’s role has shrunk as New York’s bench has grown deeper.
The return of Landry Shamet from injury, the addition of Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline, and the waiver pickup of Jeremy Sochan have created heavy competition for minutes behind the starters.
Brown also pointed to rookie Mohamed Diawara as another factor in the rotation squeeze.
Clarkson said he remains focused on contributing whenever the opportunity comes.
“You definitely value winning and being a part of this team,” Clarkson said via the New York Post. “Everything has been purposeful and meaningful. I’m just trying to stay locked in for any moment and opportunity I get here.”
Clarkson Always Wanted to Join the Knicks
Clarkson’s move to New York was intentional.
After securing a buyout from Utah, the Knicks were his preferred destination.
“When they said you got an opportunity to come to the Knicks, I was on full go,” Clarkson said during training camp, via Philstar.com. “I listened to nothing else.”
Jordan Clarkson, Philippines, Knicks
GettyPhilippines’ Jordan Clarkson (L) gestures during the FIBA Basketball World Cup classification match between China and Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on September 2, 2023.
The connection traces back to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila.
Clarkson represented the Philippines, while Brunson and Hart played for Team USA.
“When Jalen came to Manila, he used my braider a few times, him and Josh,” Clarkson said. “And then we just got close doing all that.”
Emotional Return to Utah
Wednesday’s game will mark Clarkson’s first return to Salt Lake City since his buyout.
The veteran had been the final holdover from a Jazz era that reached the playoffs six straight seasons.
“That’s a home for me. I loved the organization. I love the coaching staff,” Clarkson said via the New York Post. “Yeah, I love the city. All I had was love there.”
Clarkson admitted he does not know how he will feel stepping back onto the court in Utah.
“So going back, I don’t know what my emotions are going to be,” Clarkson said. “I’m going to try to keep my cool … just all the gratitude and everything that the city has given me.”
For now, Clarkson says his focus remains simple: stay ready whenever the Knicks call his number.