The New York Knicks have made a notable addition to their roster, signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year contract. This move comes as part of the Knicks' strategy to bolster their perimeter shooting and provide more depth to their backcourt.
Landry Shamet's Journey
Landry Shamet, a first-round selection by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018 NBA Draft, has had a dynamic career pathway. Mid-way through his rookie season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the beginning of his journey across multiple franchises. The Knicks will be Shamet's sixth team in his eight seasons in the league—a testament to his ability to adapt and fit into various basketball systems.
Over the course of his career, Shamet has established himself as a reliable marksman from beyond the arc, holding a commendable career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%. However, last season saw a dip in his shooting efficiency, as he recorded 33.8% from three-point range during his tenure with the Washington Wizards. Even so, his long-range shooting prowess remains a valuable asset for any team looking to improve their offensive capabilities.
Knicks' Three-Point Challenges
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8 shots from long distance. Despite a respectable 14th-place ranking in three-point percentage at 36.9%, the team recognizes the need for greater consistency and efficiency from beyond the arc. The addition of Shamet is expected to address this need and provide the Knicks with a much-needed boost in their shooting accuracy.
Notably, a significant portion of the Knicks' three-point shooting burden was carried by Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who together accounted for 42% of the team’s long-range attempts. Adding Shamet into the mix should help diversify their offensive threat and reduce the pressure on these key players.
Complementary Moves
The Knicks have not limited themselves to a single acquisition. Earlier in the summer, the team managed to bring in Mikal Bridges, another player known for his shooting capabilities. Bridges boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, adding another layer of depth to the team's perimeter offense. The Knicks also signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who has a career three-point mark of 36.9%. These moves underline a clear strategy aimed at improving the team’s shooting efficiency and depth.
Julius Randle, who averaged more than five three-point shots per game last season, made 31.1% of his attempts—a figure that leaves room for improvement. The addition of proficient shooters like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne could provide Randle and the rest of the squad with more open looks and less defensive pressure on the perimeter.
Strategic Implications
The Knicks' decision to bring in Shamet, along with the offseason acquisitions of Bridges and Payne, signals a concerted effort to address their Achilles' heel in three-point shooting. With a more balanced and experienced roster, they are positioning themselves to climb higher in the Eastern Conference standings.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these new pieces fit into the Knicks' puzzle. The integration of Shamet and other acquisitions will be crucial for head coach Tom Thibodeau, who will aim to find the right balance and rotation to maximize the team's potential.
Shamet's veteran presence and shooting prowess could be the catalyst that propels the Knicks towards a more successful season. With these strategic maneuvers, the Knicks have made it clear that they are committed to building a team capable of competing at the highest level.