Jordan Clarkson learning whole new process with…
BOSTON — Jordan Clarkson has been a high-volume tremendous sub scorer for most of his long profession.
There’s a purpose he’s seventh all time in scoring off the bench in the NBA.
But it hasn’t labored out that means with the Knicks.
His averages in minutes, factors and shot makes an attempt are at profession lows this season — even less than his rookie marketing campaign over a decade in the past.
In an interview with The Post, the 33-year-old explained he’s being requested to shoulder more defensively while attempting to navigate sporadic taking part in time and fewer scoring possibilities.
It’s not what he’s used to — or what anyone envisioned after Clarkson signed as a free agent in the summer time — but he’s attempting to make it work.
“For me, it’s just been fluctuation of play, really. In and out the lineups. DNPs,” said Clarkson, who was supplanted in the rotation by Landry Shamet and had 4 healthy DNPs since late January. “Sometimes you’re getting 5 minutes in the sport, right here and there. But it’s a whole new process for me, and a new function. Offensively and defensively.
Jordan Clarkson drives with the ball during the Knicks’ Dec. 6 loss to the Pistons. IMAGN IMAGES via GWN Connect
“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.”
Clarkson, who was never identified as a strong defender, said he’s taking on more tough assignments based on who he’s sharing the court with.
“Sometimes I have to guard maybe the second or third option with a different unit. I’m usually guarding weaker guys on different teams,” he said. “But yeah, being asked to do that at some times, on different plays, it’s all an adjustment.”
With Miles McBride out until the playoffs, there’s a gap at backup guard to fill.
But there’s also competitors for Clarkson with Shamet, newcomer Jose Alvarado and Tyler Kolek.
To this level, Clarkson has never performed less.
“It’s not that big of an adjustment. But it takes some getting used to, for sure,” he said. “I’m in a whole new role and try to play the best role I can on this team.”
Karl-Anthony Towns (proper eye laceration), OG Anunoby (proper toe soreness) and Josh Hart (proper ankle soreness) are all listed as questionable for Sunday’s sport against the Celtics.
Towns and Anunoby missed the earlier sport — a blowout loss Friday to the Pistons — because of those illnesses.
Hart re-aggravated his ankle injury in the third quarter and didn’t return.
Alvarado, meanwhile, is offered to make his Knicks debut.
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