“New York Knicks Bolster Second Unit by Signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, Elevating Bench Depth Ahead of 2025 Season”
The New York Knicks are wasting no time signaling their intent to take the next step in the Eastern Conference. Following a strong but ultimately incomplete 2024 campaign that ended in playoff frustration, the team entered the offseason with a clear objective: reinforce the roster’s depth, particularly on the bench. And now, with the acquisitions of veteran guard Jordan Clarkson from the Utah Jazz and versatile forward Guerschon Yabusele from the Philadelphia 76ers, Knicks management may have pulled off exactly what they needed to give head coach Mike Brown more flexibility, balance, and firepower.
While neither Clarkson nor Yabusele is a headline-dominating superstar, both bring attributes that New York’s bench desperately lacked last season: scoring, spacing, and veteran savvy. Together, their arrivals signal a deliberate shift toward building a deeper and more versatile rotation capable of competing with the elite second units in the league.
Clarkson’s signing is particularly notable for Knicks fans. The 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year is renowned for his ability to provide instant offense off the bench. Whether as a microwave scorer, a secondary ball-handler, or simply a spark plug in slower moments, Clarkson brings a unique skill set the Knicks haven’t truly had since the days of J.R. Smith. His fearlessness, confidence, and ability to generate points in isolation will be a major asset, especially when Jalen Brunson is off the floor.
“Jordan’s a bucket,” one Eastern Conference scout commented. “You know what you’re getting—tough shot-making, veteran poise, and a guy who’s never scared of the moment.”
Last season with Utah, Clarkson averaged 16.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 44% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. But stats only tell part of the story. His presence in the locker room and his work ethic have consistently drawn praise across the league. He’s evolved from a pure scorer to a more mature, team-oriented player who understands what it takes to win in the postseason—something the Knicks need more of.
Then there’s Guerschon Yabusele, whose journey to the Knicks has been more unconventional. Once known primarily as a “draft-and-stash” pick by the Boston Celtics, Yabusele has reinvented himself in recent years with impressive stints in Europe and a productive 2024 season with the 76ers, where he became a reliable contributor off the bench. At 6’8″ and nearly 250 pounds, Yabusele brings a combination of physicality, mobility, and underrated shooting that gives the Knicks flexibility in their frontcourt rotations.
His averages of 7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in limited minutes last season don’t scream impact player—but his presence on the floor often passed the eye test. He stretches defenses with his ability to knock down corner threes, defends multiple positions, and has become far more confident in NBA spacing and tempo. Knicks GM Leon Rose reportedly targeted Yabusele for his blend of experience, strength, and willingness to play a role.
“We needed guys who know their job,” said a team source close to the decision. “Guerschon isn’t coming in to demand touches or minutes—he’s coming in to compete and contribute, and that’s invaluable.”
The signings of Clarkson and Yabusele also suggest a shift in how New York is approaching roster construction. While stars like Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett are locked into their primary roles, the supporting cast around them has too often faltered under the weight of playoff expectations. By adding two players who can steady the ship in critical stretches and offer stylistic flexibility, the Knicks are hedging against injury, fatigue, and defensive matchups in ways they previously couldn’t.
Clarkson, for example, allows the Knicks to rest Brunson or Josh Hart without sacrificing offensive rhythm. He can run the offense in a pinch, space the floor when Barrett drives, or close games when extra shot creation is needed. His presence also reduces the offensive load on Immanuel Quickley, should he remain with the team, and offers an additional ball-handling option in hybrid lineups.
Yabusele, meanwhile, gives Coach Brown options. He can back up Randle at the four, slide into small-ball five configurations when the Knicks want to go fast, or partner with Mitchell Robinson in bigger lineups that emphasize rim protection and rebounding. His ability to space the floor also complements Robinson’s interior-heavy game, creating better spacing for cutters and driving guards.
Perhaps most importantly, these signings offer psychological value. The Knicks, for so long dependent on star heroics, now have the personnel to win the second quarter or stem a third-quarter run without always leaning on their top three players. That type of depth is what separates playoff teams from legitimate contenders.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown—who’s already made waves with his commitment to discipline, accountability, and detailed preparation—now has tools he lacked last season. Brown thrives with deep rotations, blending youth and experience, and both Clarkson and Yabusele fit his vision.
“Mike is a coach who rewards effort and intelligence,” said an NBA assistant familiar with Brown’s style. “Clarkson gives him instant offense, and Yabusele gives him adaptability. These aren’t just signings—they’re solutions.”
The locker room dynamic will also benefit from their arrivals. Clarkson, known for his easygoing nature and veteran presence, is expected to be a mentor to younger guards while keeping the mood light. Yabusele, often described as one of the more affable and coachable players in any locker room, brings a workmanlike energy that meshes well with New York’s blue-collar identity.
Beyond that, the front office should be commended for the financial savvy behind the deals. Both players were signed to team-friendly contracts that allow the Knicks to retain cap flexibility heading into future free agent classes. In an era where bloated contracts can cripple a team’s ability to maneuver, New York has made additions that are not only smart for the present but safe for the future.
The fan base, too, is responding. Social media lit up in support of Clarkson, a player with crossover appeal thanks to his scoring flair and stylish presence. Yabusele, meanwhile, has quickly gained a cult following among Knicks fans who appreciate under-the-radar contributors who give full effort.
With the East expected to be wide open again this year—Boston and Milwaukee remain favorites, but vulnerability abounds—the Knicks are moving quietly but effectively. They aren’t chasing superstars or headline splashes. Instead, they’re building methodically, tightening the screws, and reinforcing a roster that already has its core in place.
In Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, the New York Knicks didn’t just get deeper. They got tougher, smarter, and more versatile. And if that sounds like the blueprint for a team on the rise, it’s because it is.
