The New York Knicks have bolstered their backcourt by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This acquisition adds yet another chapter to Shamet’s well-traveled career, as he joins his sixth team in what has been a whirlwind eight seasons in the NBA.
Shamet, originally a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, saw his rookie season interrupted by a mid-season trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. Known for his shooting prowess, Shamet has consistently been a threat from beyond the arc, boasting a career 38.4% success rate from three-point range.
Three-Point Specialist
Despite a slight dip last season with the Washington Wizards, where he posted a 33.8% success rate from three-point range over 46 games, Shamet’s capabilities are well-documented. His arrival in New York underscores the Knicks’ commitment to enhancing their perimeter game.
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. While respectable, these figures suggest there is room for improvement, particularly if the team harbors ambitions of making deeper playoff runs.
Boosting the Roster
Additions like Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 42% of the team’s three-point attempts last season, have laid a solid foundation. However, the team’s reliance on Julius Randle, who made only 31.1% of his three-point attempts despite averaging more than five attempts per game, indicates a need for more consistent sharpshooters.
Shamet’s signing follows the Knicks' earlier acquisition of Mikal Bridges, who has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, and backup point guard Cameron Payne, who boasts a career mark of 36.9% from long range. These signings collectively aim to sharpen the Knicks’ offensive edge from the perimeter.
Strategic Depth
The addition of Shamet provides the Knicks with not just shooting, but also veteran experience and strategic depth. Shamet’s career has been marked by adaptability and a knack for fitting into various team dynamics, a quality that will be invaluable as the Knicks navigate the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference.
His role will likely involve stretching defenses with his shooting while providing steady playmaking when needed. Given his past experiences with multiple teams and varying systems, Shamet is well-equipped to make an immediate impact.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of Shamet into the roster will be crucial. His track record suggests he can be a critical piece in tightening up the Knicks’ offensive schemes, particularly from beyond the arc. The Knicks’ front office appears intent on assembling a roster that can keep up with the league's increasingly three-point-centric playstyle.
While the journey to integrating all these pieces will require time and coordination, the Knicks’ strategic moves this offseason signal a clear vision for their future. With Shamet’s wealth of experience and shooting accuracy, complemented by the summer additions of Bridges and Payne, Knicks fans have plenty to be optimistic about as the new season approaches.