Jordan Clarkson played an underrated role in the Knicks' locker room during the Finals

The 2025-26 season was a superb campaign for the New York Knicks, as they were already hyped to be one of the Eastern Conference's best teams before the campaign even started. However, they surpassed all types of expectations in the Playoffs with their dominance. 

While the star players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns deservedly received the spotlight, more players also played key roles. This includes Jordan Clarkson, who mostly came off the bench, but he also played a role in the locker room.

Jordan Clarkson's underrated role revealed by Mohamed Diawara

For the longest time, people got used to seeing Clarkson play as a super sixth man. He has always been a spark plug because he can provide instant offense with his natural scoring ability.

He has done so for well over a decade, as he has been in the league since 2014. Across all of the teams he has played for, Clarkson has played a crucial role as a sixth man. He even won a Sixth Man of the Year award for it with the Utah Jazz.

MORE: Jalen Brunson is getting "King" treatment in New York after the 2026 championship

His role on the Knicks is new because he is not the go-to guy off the bench anymore, but his teammates credit him for some of the best leadership on the team. Rookie Mohamed Diawara was nothing but complimentary to him.

"Brunson, KAT, OG, Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson. Especially Jordan Clarkson, he's the oldest guy on the team... The vet, and he gave a speech that touched people," Diawara said in the French podcast, First Team. 

Clarkson does not have a contract with the Knicks just yet for next season. However, the Knicks have shown interest in signing him to another contract, which will provide the Knicks with some continuity. 

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