NBA Analyst and Legendary Bench Scorer Predicts Knicks’ Shoot-First Guard as Favorite for Sixth Man of the Year Award
The New York Knicks are gearing up for another promising season after their impressive run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025, marking their first appearance in this stage in 25 years. With the return of All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the team’s depth may prove crucial in their pursuit of an NBA Finals berth.
NBA Analyst Predicts Jordan Clarkson as Favorite for Sixth Man of the Year
Jamal Crawford, a former NBA veteran and three-time Sixth Man of the Year, has predicted that Jordan Clarkson will be a strong contender for the 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year award. During a recent appearance on NBA TV, Crawford expressed confidence in Clarkson’s potential impact in New York.
Key Attributes of Jordan Clarkson
- Signed a one-year deal worth $3.6 million with the Knicks.
- Previously won Sixth Man of the Year in 2020-21 while playing for the Utah Jazz.
- Averaged 18.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during that award-winning season.
- Maintained a true shooting percentage of 54.9% across 68 games in his award season.
Crawford emphasized the importance of team success for individual awards, stating, “Your team has to achieve success for any player to be considered for an award.” He believes Coach Mike Brown will effectively utilize Clarkson, giving him the freedom to shine.
Clarkson’s Role with the Knicks
As a potential sixth starter, Clarkson is expected to take on a significant scoring role, particularly when Brunson is on the bench. His previous achievements and dynamic scoring ability could make him a standout player for the Knicks this season.
Crawford’s Legacy in the NBA
Jamal Crawford’s insights carry weight due to his successful career as a two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner. He averaged 12.4 points across 894 games coming off the bench, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most accomplished reserves.
With Crawford’s endorsement and Clarkson’s scoring capacity, expectations are high for the Knicks as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
