NEW YORK — Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson ended the preseason on a strong note in the New York Knicks’ 113-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday morning (Manila time).
Clarkson filled the stat sheet with 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in 23 minutes. He drew another start with three Knicks regulars sitting out, capping an encouraging preseason for the 33-year-old veteran.
“Never looked past a blessing, another preseason in the books,” Clarkson posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the game.
The former National Basketball Association Sixth Man of the Year joined the Knicks in the offseason to strengthen a second unit that finished last in bench scoring last season. True to his reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic reserves, Clarkson averaged 10.2 points per game in the preseason — the most by any Knicks player coming off the bench.
“He’s a professional scorer, especially one coming off the bench,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said during training camp.
“It means he knows how to play the game. He’s not just scoring. That’s what I like about him — he’s a capable passer. You want guys who aren’t afraid of the moment, who are willing to take the shot and go get it.”
Clarkson spent the past four seasons with the Utah Jazz, where he was one of their primary offensive weapons. Last year, he averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. But those numbers may dip with a deeper Knicks rotation built around stars Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Still, Clarkson is embracing his new role in New York, saying he’s focused on winning rather than individual accolades after years of carrying a heavy load on a rebuilding team in Utah.
“For me, I’m going to be myself in between what’s going on already,” Clarkson said.
“I’m going to hang my hat on that. I’m going to make my changes or whatever I have to do to fit in here and play the right way. Definitely, down the line, I think all the guys know if they show (the ball to me), it’s going to get in the air. The majority of the time, I feel like I’m open. It comes with a grain of salt. I have to take good shots and play the right way, as well.”
Clarkson’s veteran scoring presence and playoff experience are expected to give the Knicks an additional edge as they aim to make a deeper postseason run.
According to BetUS, the best US online sportsbook according to videogamer.com, the Knicks hold the fourth-best championship odds (+900) heading into the 2025 season, trailing only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (+250), Denver Nuggets (+650) and Cleveland Cavaliers (+750).
For Clarkson, who enters his 12th NBA season, the mission is simple: help New York win. And judging from his strong preseason finish, the Filipino-American guard appears ready to make an impact from day one.