The New York Knicks have made a notable addition to their roster, signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. The move brings a player with a deep shooting pedigree to a team that heavily relies on three-point attempts.
Landry Shamet’s Journey
Landry Shamet's NBA journey began when he was drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. Though his rookie season was off to a promising start, it took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through the season. This marked the first of many relocations for Shamet, who has now played for six different teams in eight seasons.
Throughout his career, Shamet has established himself as a reliable perimeter shooter, boasting a 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc. Last season, he played 46 games with the Washington Wizards, where he posted a 33.8% three-point shooting percentage. This dip from his career average might have been a result of adjusting to a new system, but Shamet has shown he can be a valuable asset from long range. His shooting prowess is precisely what the Knicks hope to harness in the coming season.
Knicks' Strategic Moves
The Knicks have been proactive this off-season, aiming to bolster their backcourt and enhance their shooting from deep. Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game (35.8) and secured the 14th spot in three-point percentage (36.9%). This suggests a solid foundation that the team seeks to build upon with their recent acquisitions.
One of the Knicks' key challenges last season was the dependence on a few players for their three-point shooting. Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were responsible for 42% of the team’s long-range attempts, indicating a lack of depth in shooting options. Additionally, Julius Randle, who averaged more than five three-point shots per game, managed a modest 31.1% success rate.
Added Firepower
To address this, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges earlier this summer. Bridges, known for his impressive defense and versatile play, also brings a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5% to the table. This addition is likely to spread the floor and provide more open looks for the Knicks' playmakers.
Furthermore, the signing of backup point guard Cameron Payne could also prove crucial. Payne has shown he can knock down shots from deep, with a career three-point mark of 36.9%. This underscores the Knicks’ intention to diversify their offensive threats.
With the acquisition of Shamet and other strategic additions, the Knicks are clearly aiming to improve their long-distance shooting. The move to bring in a career 38.4% shooter like Shamet indicates a desire to surround their star players with reliable shooters who can stretch defenses and create spacing on the court.
Looking Forward
As the season approaches, Knicks fans will be eager to see how these new additions gel with the existing roster. The complementary skills of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne could play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for a deeper playoff run. If the pieces fall into place, the Knicks could see a significant improvement in their offensive efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc.
In conclusion, the signing of Landry Shamet solidifies the Knicks' commitment to enhancing their three-point shooting arsenal. Paired with the acquisitions of Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne, the Knicks are laying the groundwork for a more dynamic and versatile offense. As Shamet joins his sixth team in eight seasons, he'll be looking to make a significant impact and potentially find a more lasting home in New York.