In a bid to bolster their roster with seasoned expertise and keen shooting acumen, the New York Knicks have added veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharpshooter Landry Shamet to their squad. Both players have inked Exhibit 9 contracts, joining the team in preparation for the upcoming NBA season.
Marcus Morris: A Veteran Presence
Marcus Morris brings a wealth of experience to the Knicks, boasting 13 years in the NBA and a résumé that includes stints with eight different teams. The 35-year-old forward is no stranger to Madison Square Garden, having previously donned the Knicks' jersey during the 2019-20 season. Morris contributed significantly during his initial tenure but was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline that season.
Last season, Morris concluded his campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his reliable three-point shooting. With a career average of 37.7% from beyond the arc, he surpassed expectations by hitting just above 40% from long range last season. His versatility and shooting prowess make him a valuable asset as the Knicks aim to enhance their perimeter game.
Landry Shamet: Precision Shooting
Accompanying Morris is Landry Shamet, a sniper whose shooting accuracy is highly regarded in the league. Like Morris, Shamet joins the Knicks on an Exhibit 9 contract, reflecting the team's strategic focus on solidifying their outside shooting. Shamet's ability to space the floor could be a game-changer for a Knicks squad looking to make deeper playoff runs.
Chuma Okeke: Youthful Potential
Besides the seasoned Morris and the sharpshooting Shamet, the Knicks have also brought in Chuma Okeke on a non-guaranteed deal. A former first-round pick by the Orlando Magic, Okeke represents youthful potential and a developmental project for the Knicks' coaching staff. The competition for roster spots during the Knicks' training camp will be fierce, with Okeke aiming to prove his worth alongside the veterans.
Competing for Roster Spots
The Knicks' training camp will be a battleground where Marcus Morris, Landry Shamet, and Chuma Okeke vie for their places on the final roster. Morris’s experience and versatility, Shamet’s deadly precision from long range, and Okeke’s untapped potential will all be closely evaluated by the coaching staff.
As the Knicks brass have put it succinctly, “We want a known quantity as our 15th man.” This sentiment underscores the team's commitment to securing a roster that combines reliability and excellence. The integration of these players is set against the backdrop of the Knicks' broader strategy of building a cohesive and competitive unit capable of standing toe-to-toe against the NBA's elite.
In summary, the Knicks' latest signings reflect a calculated approach to bolstering their roster with a mix of veteran savvy, shooting accuracy, and potential future stars. Training camp will reveal which players earn the coveted roster spots and how this new blend of talent will shape the team's fortunes in the upcoming season.