Backup Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele says he isn’t disappointed by his recent dip in playing time.
“No no it’s been pretty good. Lots of effort over here,” he told The Daily News ahead of tipoff against the Washington Wizards on Monday. “We have great guys playing together, trying to get the win and create something with the team. We have a great bonded team. Some of the guys know each other, so I’m just trying to come out here and learn and fit perfect so I can try to help the team.”
The Knicks used their mid-level exception to sign Yabusele to a two-year deal, making him the biggest addition of an otherwise quiet offseason. But entering Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards, the French forward had been phased out of head coach Mike Brown’s rotation.
After playing 12, 13 and 16 minutes in the first three regular-season games — and logging between 10 and 23 minutes in all five preseason contests — Yabusele missed the Oct. 28 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with a knee injury. Since then, he’s totaled just five minutes combined in two games against the Chicago Bulls.
Brown said Yabusele’s minutes could vary depending on matchups and game flow.
“He may play a whole bunch of minutes at times, he may play a few. He may not play at all,” Brown said after Friday’s loss in Chicago. “And that’s part of what our guys have to accept until we can figure out what we’re gonna do.”
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.
