New York Knicks stars Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson raved about the addition of former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson this offseason.
Hart, in particular, has a strong connection with Clarkson after playing their rookie seasons together with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I was excited, “ Hart said of Brown on “The Roommates Show” on July 17. I mean, great dude, gonna fit right into the culture that we have, obviously, something that can create his own shot.
“[Clarkson] can break down the defense, and we needed at times, you know, last year. So it would be a great addition in terms of role. And also as a locker room guy.”
Clarkson signed for the veteran minimum after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz, which makes his addition to the Knicks more impressive from a value standpoint.
The 32-year-old spitfire guard averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists off the bench for the Jazz last season. He also shot 36.2% from the 3-point line.
Jordan Clarkson Is ‘a Great Addition’
Clarkson is expected to boost the Knicks’ bench, which placed last in minutes and scoring last season.
“I know him. I’m not as close with him as Josh, obviously, but I know him,” Brunson said of Clarkson. “I talked to him a little bit. Good dude. He surrounds himself with some good people whom I know. A great addition for us, sure.”
Clarkson won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2021. He was also in Manila, quarterbacking the Philippine national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Hart and Brunson starred for Team USA.
Clarkson averaged 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 36 minutes in the tournament.
Mike Brown Hiring Is ‘Going To Be Great’
GettyNew Knicks coach Mike Brown talks to the media during his introductory press conference in New York.
The Knicks enter next season with a new head coach, with Mike Brown succeeding Tom Thibodeau despite guiding the franchise to their first Eastern Conference Finals trip in 25 years.
Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year like Thibodeau, faces the pressure of improving Thibodeau’s high bar for the team.
Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Hart recently shared their thoughts about Brown.
“I never had a relationship with him, but he always said kind words as an opposing coach. Always shook his hand, said what’s up, gave him a head nod,” Brunson said of Brown on “The Roommates Show” on July 17. “He’s really animated, he wants the best for his team, he wants to push his team in any way, shape, he can. So I’m excited for this and I’m excited to see where he can take us. It should be fun.
“Just getting to know him, know his background. He’s had a great journey to be where he’s at now. I have a lot of respect for guys who work hard, and I feel like he’s worked very hard to be in his position that he’s in.”
For his part, Hart admires Brown for being part of championship teams. Brown won four NBA rings — one with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003 and three with the Golden State Warriors as an assistant coach. He also coached LeBron James to his first finals appearance with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007.
“Obviously, he’s been a part of some great organizations,” Hart added. “[He is] someone who I think will work well with the personality and personnel that we have already. It’s going to be great.”
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