How the Knicks Solved Their Bench Depth Issues by Adding Jordan Clarkson and a Promising French Big Man This Offseason
The New York Knicks have been methodical in their team-building approach over the last several seasons, slowly transforming themselves from perennial underachievers to a franchise on the rise. After a strong playoff showing and continued praise for their organizational stability, the Knicks turned their attention this offseason to one of their few remaining weaknesses—bench depth. In a league where second-unit production can be the difference between early exits and deep playoff runs, the Knicks’ front office understood the urgency of improving their depth. They responded accordingly, making headlines with the acquisition of former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson and a promising young French big man, reinforcing their roster with a blend of scoring firepower and frontcourt versatility.
Jordan Clarkson’s arrival in New York signals a clear and intentional move to bolster the team’s offensive spark off the bench. Known throughout the league for his instant scoring ability and fearless shot-making, Clarkson brings a veteran presence and a proven track record in high-pressure situations. His ability to come off the bench and immediately impact games with his dynamic scoring will be invaluable to a Knicks team that occasionally struggled to maintain offensive rhythm when the starters rested. Clarkson isn’t just a scorer—he’s a momentum shifter. His streaky nature can swing quarters, and his experience adds a layer of maturity to a second unit that now has one of the league’s most potent bench weapons.
Clarkson’s role in New York will be slightly different than in Utah, where he was often relied on as a primary offensive option when he stepped onto the floor. With the Knicks, he will be surrounded by greater overall talent, which could allow him to focus more on efficiency rather than carrying the scoring load single-handedly. Playing alongside a capable second unit and occasionally staggering with starters like Jalen Brunson or Donte DiVincenzo, Clarkson’s presence should ensure that the offense doesn’t sputter during non-Brunson minutes. This was a clear issue in past playoff runs, where opposing teams would seize momentum while the Knicks searched for offense from a limited bench group.
Beyond just the scoring, Clarkson also brings a swagger and confidence that aligns well with the Knicks’ current identity. He’s unafraid of the moment, something that resonates with New York fans and the culture being cultivated under Tom Thibodeau. Clarkson thrives in big arenas, and Madison Square Garden is the perfect stage for his aggressive style. His ability to create his own shot, hit difficult contested jumpers, and thrive in isolation gives the Knicks a dimension they’ve sorely needed in their second unit. He adds a veteran presence who has played meaningful playoff basketball and understands the grind of an 82-game season, which will be crucial as the team looks to compete at a higher level in 2025.
The Knicks didn’t stop at Clarkson. Understanding that frontcourt depth was just as pressing an issue as backcourt firepower, they also signed a young French big man whose profile has excited scouts across the league. Standing around seven feet tall, this athletic, high-motor player brings shot-blocking, rebounding, and rim-running capabilities to the Knicks’ frontcourt rotation. While his name hasn’t yet earned household status, his potential is hard to overlook. In Summer League action and international play, he has shown flashes of brilliance—strong defensive instincts, vertical spacing, and fluidity in transition that suggest he can thrive in Thibodeau’s system.
This French big man adds something the Knicks have lacked: a developmental big who can contribute now while growing into a bigger role in the future. Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein (who may or may not return depending on financial decisions), and Julius Randle have carried the bulk of the minutes in the frontcourt in recent years, but injuries and fatigue have taken their toll. Having another viable option gives the Knicks flexibility. This new addition can serve as a reliable backup or even spot starter, depending on matchups and injury situations. More importantly, he brings a different style—a more mobile, switchable big who can defend in space and finish with finesse or power in the paint.
What makes this move even more impressive is that it aligns with the Knicks’ broader vision. The front office has not just sought out talent—they’ve looked for players who fit their identity. Tough, hardworking, coachable, and unafraid. This French big man fits that mold. He is not being brought in to be a savior, but rather a complementary piece who can grow within the Knicks’ system and contribute meaningful minutes. The development staff has shown the ability to turn raw talent into rotation players, and there’s reason to believe they can do the same here.
Together, these two additions—Clarkson and the French big—are part of a larger strategy to create a more balanced, resilient roster. The Knicks have the star power at the top in Brunson, Randle, and now Mikal Bridges, but championship-caliber teams don’t just win with their starting five. Depth is often the separator, especially in the playoffs, when rotations shorten but matchups demand flexibility. Last season, the Knicks ran out of steam partly because their bench could not sustain leads or respond when the starters struggled. With Clarkson now able to carry the offense in stretches and the French big providing rim protection and energy, the Knicks have added two high-impact players in areas of clear need.
The synergy of these moves also speaks volumes about the Knicks’ front office and coaching staff. Gone are the days of splashy, unfocused signings. Today’s Knicks are measured, purposeful, and driven by basketball logic. Every addition is made with a clear understanding of fit—how a player complements the stars, fits into the rotation, and contributes to the team’s identity. Clarkson and the French big both tick those boxes. Clarkson adds scoring, experience, and personality. The big man adds size, athleticism, and developmental upside. Neither signing was about making headlines. Both were about making the Knicks better where it matters.
The Knicks are clearly aiming to make a deep playoff run in 2025. These moves underscore that ambition. They aren’t content with first or second-round appearances—they’re building toward contention. The Eastern Conference remains competitive, with teams like Boston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Miami all eyeing the Finals. But with these strategic additions, the Knicks are positioning themselves to be right there in the mix. They now boast one of the league’s deepest rosters, capable of winning grind-it-out games or high-scoring shootouts. They have defensive toughness, offensive creativity, and positional versatility—traits that all top contenders share.
Off the court, the reaction to these moves has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have long begged for a front office that operates with patience and intelligence, and that’s exactly what they’re seeing now. Adding Clarkson provides a jolt of excitement and star appeal, while the addition of a promising international player signals forward-thinking. It’s not just about winning now; it’s about sustaining success. The Knicks aren’t mortgaging the future—they’re investing in it wisely.
As the season approaches, the Knicks will begin to experiment with rotations and find the best ways to maximize these new additions. Clarkson will likely lead the second unit but could also close games depending on matchups. The French big man may start the year with limited minutes but could see his role expand quickly if he continues to impress. Both players offer tactical advantages—Clarkson with his offensive burst, the big man with his defensive coverage. The ability to match up with a variety of opponents across styles is something the Knicks have lacked, and these two signings go a long way toward solving that problem.
The 2025 season could mark a turning point in the Knicks’ modern era. For the first time in decades, the team is not scrambling to fix foundational issues—they are fine-tuning a strong core. These new additions are the kind of smart, situational signings that championship teams make. They may not be the final piece to a title run, but they are critical steps in that direction. If the Knicks do make a deep run this year, fans and analysts will point back to this offseason as the moment when the Knicks became truly complete.
The New York Knicks aren’t just adding players—they’re adding purpose, identity, and depth. With Jordan Clarkson’s explosive scoring and the French big man’s emerging talent, the Knicks have turned a soft spot into a strength. That kind of offseason doesn’t just win headlines—it wins games. And perhaps, soon, even more than that.
