New York Knicks coach Mike Brown has praised Jordan Clarkson, calling him the "best teammate" he has ever coached, a sentiment that Clarkson reciprocated. Brown's comments came after the Knicks' victory over the Nets at Madison Square Garden.
Clarkson, when asked about Brown's high praise, acknowledged the compliment and emphasized his commitment to supporting the team's collective goal of winning. "That’s a great compliment," Clarkson said. "Especially, he’s been around a lot of guys and a lot of players, been on great teams. But for me, I’m just here to try to support the group. And we’re here for one goal — and that’s to win."
He further elaborated on Brown's coaching abilities, noting his success in uniting the team. "That’s the reason he’s a great coach, he’s been doing an amazing job bringing this group together and all of us buying into what he believes in and getting us group of men to go out there and compete all on one accord is a tough job and he [did] a great job of that last year. We’re starting this journey again, he’s doing it again."
Clarkson has recently found success coming off the bench, a role that has seen several Knicks reserves step up while the starters have faced challenges. Brown highlighted Clarkson's adaptability and positive attitude when called upon, even after periods out of the rotation.
"You have a veteran that’s been there, done that, and he’s willing to accept the role that most guys wouldn’t accept," Brown said. "If he’s willing to accept it, which is what he did last year, and still try to uplift everybody and connect everybody while he’s going through what he’s going through, that’s the ultimate team player."
In other team news, Josh Hart is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Bulls with right ankle soreness. He previously missed the preseason finale and dealt with a similar injury last year.