Microwave. Bucket-getter. Flamethrower. These terms encapsulate the dynamic playing style of Jordan Clarkson, who has made a name for himself in the NBA over 12 seasons. Yet, the shooting guard’s career has also been marked by descriptors like inconsistent, ball-stopper, and erratic. While his impressive scoring ability—averaging over 15 points per game in eight different seasons and earning a Sixth Man of the Year award—highlights his talents, it also illuminates the growing concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Clarkson’s reputation connects him to a fading tradition of high-scoring bench players. Past winners of the Sixth Man of the Year, such as Jamal Crawford, Lou Williams, and J.R. Smith, were once coveted for their instant scoring prowess but now appear increasingly rare. The changing landscape of the NBA has shifted expectations, calling for bench players not only to score but also to do so with greater efficiency. Montrezl Harrell’s remarkable 58% field goal percentage during his award-winning season in 2020 underscores this trend, contrasting sharply with prior winners who often shot below 43.6% from the field.
This season, Clarkson has exemplified this ongoing dilemma. He has exhibited flashes of brilliance, including a 24-point performance in a crucial win against Miami, but those moments are juxtaposed with disheartening stretches where he has struggled significantly, shooting under 40% on nine occasions, including in his last six games. This inconsistency has led to increasing discontent among Knicks fans, raising questions about Clarkson’s fit within the team’s current framework.
At 33 years old, Clarkson recently concluded a stretch averaging 12.3 points per game while shooting 54.4% from the field, indicating that he still possesses the ability to be an effective scorer. However, the Knicks’ need for a playmaker who can create scoring opportunities has become apparent. Players of Clarkson’s archetype often bring the risk of cold spells, and when his scoring falters, his contributions to the team diminish significantly.
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Fans had a realistic understanding of Clarkson’s strengths and weaknesses upon his acquisition: they knew he wouldn’t be a reliable defender and that his playmaking would be inconsistent. However, the starkness of his recent challenges, particularly during a recent game against the Magic where he appeared lost and hesitant, has only intensified scrutiny.
While the Knicks are currently finding success, fostering a quieting of the criticism directed at Clarkson, it’s a precarious balance. Should the team enter a rough patch, or a losing streak, and Clarkson’s struggles continue, the chorus of discontent from fans would likely grow louder.
The hope is that Clarkson can find his rhythm once again. Though he may never evolve into a consistently efficient scorer or a strong playmaker, a return to his November performances would benefit both him and the team. If Clarkson can recapture his scoring flair while the Knicks maintain their winning momentum, fans might be more willing to embrace his unique style of play.
