Knicks offseason acquisitions finding footing in Mike Brown’s new offense
Share this @internewscast.com


New York Knicks reserve forward Guerschon Yabusele remains unfazed by his recent reduction in court time.

“No, it’s been pretty good. There’s a lot of hard work happening here,” Yabusele shared with The Daily News prior to facing the Washington Wizards on Monday. “We have a fantastic group of guys working together, aiming for victories and building team chemistry. The team is closely knit, with some players already familiar with one another. I’m focusing on learning and fitting in perfectly to contribute to our success.”

This offseason, the Knicks made a notable move by signing Yabusele to a two-year contract using their mid-level exception, marking their most significant addition amid a relatively quiet period. However, as of Monday’s game against the Wizards, the French forward found himself sidelined from head coach Mike Brown’s regular lineup.

In the opening trio of the regular season games, Yabusele saw action for 12, 13, and 16 minutes, after participating for 10 to 23 minutes in all five preseason matchups. But a knee injury kept him out of the October 28th match against the Milwaukee Bucks. Following his return, he has only accumulated a total of five minutes across two games against the Chicago Bulls.

Coach Brown noted that Yabusele’s playing time could fluctuate based on matchups and the dynamics of each game.

“There might be times when he plays a lot of minutes, or just a few, or not at all,” Brown explained after Friday’s defeat in Chicago. “Our players need to embrace this uncertainty as we determine our strategy moving forward.”

Brown also noted that the Knicks struggled defending the rim in the limited stretches Yabusele played against Chicago’s up-tempo attack.

“I’m still kind of finding my way and we were down, and they were doing a great job of touching the paint,” Brown said. “So I’m trying to find guys that can — and not that he can’t — but switch and possibly stay in front of the ball, especially the way they were getting downhill and getting out and going.”

The Knicks coach said Yabusele faces one of the steepest learning curves in New York’s new system. Brown’s offense requires the four to function interchangeably with the one through three, while also toggling between frontcourt spots depending on lineup construction.

Yabusele believes his international experience gives him an edge in adjusting quickly.

“It’s been amazing so far being able to learn the four, the three, the five, differently in different countries, so my understanding when I’m in the game is completely different the way it clicks because most of the situations I feel like I’ve seen it,” he told The News. “I kind of [need to] make less mistakes and be efficient when I’m out there.”

But it hasn’t been quick or easy for the backup big man who was expected to fill a position similar to the one Precious Achiuwa played as a versatile front court player for the Knicks last season. Brown said he envisioned his rotation stretching “nine-and-a-half to 10” players deep, and early on, Yabusele seems to be the odd man out.

For now, the backup forward says he’s using his time outside the rotation to observe, learn, and lead where he can.

“Just over there trying to be aware when I’m out there on the court — or even if I’m out there on the bench — about what the team is doing and trying to find a way to impact the game and the team in a positive way,” Yabusele said.

Backup guard Jordan Clarkson is in a similar position — though he’s adjusted a bit faster than Yabusele.

Clarkson, too, joined the Knicks this summer, signing after securing a contract buyout from the Utah Jazz. The former Sixth Man of the Year strung together several low-scoring outings to open the season before erupting for 15 points in Sunday’s win over the Bulls.

“I think I’m just trying to figure everything out honestly, and that takes time, but definitely wanted to help from Day 1 and get it rolling,” he told The News. “But it’s part of the process and we’re still locking in and trying to figure it out.”

Clarkson, who has led the NBA in bench scoring over the last five seasons, is now being asked to do more with less. Brown’s system requires him to balance instant offense with playmaking and defensive accountability — all while backing up both Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges in the backcourt.

“It’s a little bit of an adjustment. I wouldn’t say it’s not,” Clarkson said. “But like I said, just trying to figure everybody out, figure this team out, as well as guys trying to figure me out. This is my 12th year in the league. A lot of guys have a reputation or whatever about me. I think they know what I can do, so I’m just trying to get comfortable.”

Through his first handful of games in New York, Clarkson is averaging 8.2 points per game while shooting 35 percent from three-point range. He averaged between 16 and 20 points per game over his previous five seasons in Utah.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'I can barely handle the smell': Waycross residents baffled by persistent gas-like odor as officials exhaustively search for source

Waycross Residents Troubled by Unidentified Gas-Like Odor as Officials Intensify Search for Source

Residents of Waycross are currently dealing with an unsettling gasoline-like odor that…
GIF image of a boat exploading

US Military Targets Suspected Narco-Terror Ship; 2 Dead, Search for Survivor Continues

On Friday, U.S. forces carried out a deadly strike on a vessel…
Chicago weather: 'Great Lake Jumper' Dan O'Connor continues jumping into Lake Michigan every day despite extreme cold

Meet the ‘Great Lake Jumper’: Defying Chicago’s Frigid Winters with Daily Lake Michigan Plunges

In Chicago, regardless of the weather, a man known as “The Great…
Lafayette, Indiana shooting: 5 arrested after Tippecanoe Judge Steven Meyer, wife, Kimberly shot in Mill Pond Lane home

Five Arrested in Lafayette, Indiana Shooting of Judge Steven Meyer and Wife Kimberly at Mill Pond Lane Home

In Lafayette, Indiana, authorities have taken five individuals into custody concerning a…
ABC7 Sports Overtime: Chicago Bears' season ends in playoffs; White Sox trade Luis Robert Jr.; Bulls retiring Derrick Rose jersey

ABC7 Sports Overtime: Chicago Bears Conclude Season in Playoffs; White Sox Trade Luis Robert Jr.; Bulls to Retire Derrick Rose’s Jersey

In a dramatic conclusion to their season, the Chicago Bears faced off…
Brazilian man pleads guilty after biting, spitting on ICE officers in Hartford arrest: prosecutors

Brazilian Man Admits Guilt in Hartford Incident: Assault on ICE Officers with Biting and Spitting

A Brazilian man has admitted to charges of assaulting a federal officer,…
Many charges brought by Chicago US Attorney's Office stemming from Operation Midway Blitz dropped, brought not guilty verdicts

Operation Midway Blitz: Key Charges Dropped and Not Guilty Verdicts Emerge in Chicago Investigation

In a surprising courtroom twist, the sole Operation Midway Blitz case to…
Campus Radicals: Union member tell-all, Dems back to DEI ways, more violent leftist threats on campus

Unveiling Campus Controversies: Union Insights, DEI Debates, and Rising Leftist Tensions

The spotlight shone brightly on teachers unions last week, overshadowing other topics…
Virginia Democrats frustrate law enforcement with bill axing prison time for violent crime, expert warns

Virginia Democrats’ Proposed Bill to Eliminate Prison Sentences for Violent Crimes Sparks Concern Among Law Enforcement, Experts Caution

A new legislative proposal put forth by Democrats in Virginia is sparking…
Russia-Ukraine war news: Russia attacks Ukraine ahead of second day of peace talks between US and both countries

Breaking: Russia Strikes Ukraine Amid Crucial US-Led Peace Negotiations

In Kyiv, Ukraine, Russian strikes claimed the life of one individual and…
Indiana judge and wife allegedly shot by 'high-ranking' gang member facing trial in victim's court

High-Stakes Courtroom Drama: Indiana Judge Faces Alleged Gang Member Shooter in His Own Court

The Lafayette Police Department has reported the arrest of five individuals following…
Jacksonville firefighters arrested amid possible paintball 'prank war' incident, police say

Jacksonville Firefighters Detained Over Alleged Paintball Prank War, Police Investigate

In a surprising turn of events, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has reported…