Overview
- Clarkson shared the story during a live taping of The Roommates podcast in Central Park, marking his first public comments since joining New York in July.
- He said Rich Paul phoned during a Carlos Alcaraz match at Wimbledon, he immediately picked New York, and Paul relayed the choice to the Knicks within minutes.
- The move followed an early-July buyout with the Jazz, after which Clarkson signed a veteran-minimum deal with the Knicks.
- Jalen Brunson told the crowd the two had discussed teaming up “a while ago,” and Clarkson said playing with Brunson and Josh Hart appealed to him.
- New York projects Clarkson as an instant-offense reserve with prior Sixth Man of the Year honors; he logged 37 games last season, averaging 16.2 points on 40.8% shooting and 36.2% from three.