The New York Knicks are making moves this offseason to bolster their roster, and the latest addition is veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet, who has agreed to a one-year contract with the team. Shamet, a well-traveled player in the NBA, is joining his sixth team in eight seasons, bringing with him a strong reputation as a reliable three-point shooter.
Landry Shamet's Journey
Drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, Shamet quickly showed that he could be an asset on the floor with his sharpshooting skills. However, his rookie season saw an unexpected twist when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers halfway through the year.
Shamet's career has been marked by his ability to adapt to new environments. His experiences with the Clippers, and later with teams like the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, and most recently, the Washington Wizards, have all contributed to his growth as a player. Throughout his career, Shamet has maintained a solid 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc, showcasing his consistency and skill as a perimeter shooter.
Last season with the Wizards, Shamet's performance from three-point range dipped to 33.8% over 46 games. While this represents a slight decline, the Knicks are evidently banking on Shamet rediscovering his form and adding depth to their shooting rotations.
Strengthening the Knicks' Arsenal
The Knicks, who ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game last season with an average of 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%, are clearly focused on enhancing their perimeter shooting capabilities. The addition of Shamet aligns with this strategy, providing them with another weapon to stretch the floor.
Currently, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson are pivotal to the Knicks' three-point offense, accounting for 42% of the team's long-range attempts last season. With Shamet in the mix, the Knicks are looking to distribute the shooting burden more evenly, potentially leading to more efficient offensive schemes.
Key Acquisitions
Shamet isn't the only newcomer to the Knicks lineup this summer. The team also acquired Mikal Bridges, who brings a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, adding further depth to their roster. Bridges is known for his defensive prowess and efficiency from beyond the arc, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
Additionally, the Knicks signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%. Payne's role will be crucial in managing the second unit and ensuring that the Knicks maintain their shooting threat even when their star players are off the court.
Challenges and Expectations
One area that the Knicks will be keen to improve is the consistency of their forwards, particularly Julius Randle. Last season, Randle made 31.1% of his three-point attempts, averaging more than five shots per game from beyond the arc. While Randle's versatility and scoring ability are undeniable, bringing up his three-point percentage will be vital for the Knicks’ offensive flow.
With the new additions, the Knicks are positioning themselves to be a more formidable team in the upcoming season. Shamet’s shooting prowess will be closely watched to see if he can return to his career average and provide the Knicks with the perimeter presence they need.
As the offseason progresses, these strategic moves signal the Knicks' intent to build a well-rounded and competitive roster. By incorporating experienced shooters like Shamet and Bridges, and securing reliable backups such as Payne, the Knicks are paving the way for what they hope will be a successful campaign, banking on both new acquisitions and the continued development of their existing talent.
Only time will tell how these changes will impact the Knicks' fortunes, but one thing is clear: the team is committed to creating a cohesive unit capable of competing at a high level in the NBA.