New York Knicks: 10 free agents who can help Tom Thibodeau
By Chip Murphy
10. Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson has a well-earned reputation for his chaotic offense and unenthusiastic defense, but I’m betting big on Tom Thibodeau with this one.
Nate Robinson — who had a reputation similar to Clarkson while in New York — spoke glowingly about everything he learned from Thibodeau in Chicago while endorsing him as the Knicks coach. If Clarkson is willing to be coached in the same way, this could work.
We know he could use the help particularly on defense — where Thibodeau specializes. Clarkson’s had a negative defensive box plus-minus in each of his six NBA seasons.
Offensively, there shouldn’t be an issue scoring-wise. Clarkson is having a career year from 3-point range. He’s converting 41.3 percent of wide-open 3-pointers and 39.5 percent of catch and shoot attempts from downtown.
Clarkson’s shot 40 percent or better from the left corner, but 33 percent or lower from the right corner.
Something that could take the Knicks out of the running is Clarkson’s contract aspirations. The 28-year-old signed with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports last summer, so he’s probably looking for a long-term deal.