In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their perimeter shooting, the New York Knicks have signed veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year contract. This addition underscores the Knicks' commitment to strengthening their roster as they look to climb the ranks in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
An Experienced Sharpshooter
Landry Shamet, drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has established himself as a reliable presence from beyond the arc. Over his five-year NBA career, Shamet has played for six different teams, with stops in Philadelphia, Los Angeles (Clippers), Brooklyn, Phoenix, and Washington. This wide range of experiences could prove invaluable to a Knicks team that has shown a keen interest in improving their three-point shooting capabilities.
Shamet's career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4% demonstrates his consistency as a sharpshooter. However, his performance saw a dip last season with the Washington Wizards, where he posted a 33.8% success rate from beyond the arc over 46 games. Despite this slight downturn, the Knicks are banking on Shamet's ability to revert to his career norms and provide the team with much-needed floor spacing.
Addressing a Key Need
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and were 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. These stats highlight a middle-of-the-pack performance that the front office clearly intends to enhance. The additions of Shamet, along with earlier acquisitions like Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne, reflect an overarching strategy to fortify the team's long-range shooting.
Mikal Bridges, who was acquired earlier this summer, brings with him a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Likewise, Cameron Payne, signed as a backup point guard, boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%. These moves indicate a clear pattern aimed at assembling a roster capable of stretching defenses and opening up the floor for their playmakers.
Complementing the Current Core
Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were major contributors to the Knicks' three-point volume last season, accounting for 42% of the team's long-range attempts. While both players are expected to continue being significant offensive threats, the inclusion of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne should distribute scoring responsibilities more evenly and provide Head Coach Tom Thibodeau with more flexibility in his rotations.
Additionally, Julius Randle, a key figure in the Knicks' offense, made 31.1% of his three-point attempts last season while averaging more than five three-point shots per game. With more accurate shooters like Shamet and Bridges now in the fold, Randle may find more opportunities to operate efficiently inside the arc, taking advantage of the defensive pressure drawn by his sharpshooting teammates.
Looking Ahead
The integration of these new players will be crucial for the Knicks as they aim to make deeper playoff runs. By diversifying their offensive arsenal and adding proven shooters, the Knicks are sending a clear message—they are not content with mediocrity. Landry Shamet’s arrival is just one piece of a larger puzzle designed to elevate the team’s competitiveness.
It remains to be seen how quickly Shamet can adapt to his new surroundings and what immediate impact he will have. Nevertheless, his track record as a proficient shooter suggests that his presence alone should make opposing defenses think twice before leaving him open on the perimeter.
As the new season approaches, Knicks fans can look forward to seeing a more dynamic and versatile team. With these strategic additions, the New York Knicks are making it clear they are ready to take the next step in their evolution, aiming for sustained success and deeper playoff aspirations.