With the start of the next NBA season fast approaching, the New York Knicks have made some significant moves to bolster their roster, adding veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet on a one-year deal. Shamet, known for his sharpshooting, is poised to bring additional depth and experience to the Knicks' backcourt. This move marks Shamet’s sixth team in eight seasons, epitomizing his journeyman status since being drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018.
A Career of Sharp Shooting
Shamet's career has been a whirlwind, beginning with his selection by the 76ers and a subsequent mid-season trade to the Los Angeles Clippers during his rookie year. Despite the frequent changes in team colors, Shamet has consistently showcased his proficiency from beyond the arc. Boasting a career success rate of 38.4% from three-point range, he has established himself as a reliable perimeter threat.
However, last season with the Washington Wizards, Shamet's performance from downtown dipped, posting just a 33.8% success rate over 46 games. Whether this downturn was an anomaly or a trend will be a critical question as he joins the Knicks, who are looking to improve their long-range game.
Strengthening the Perimeter
The Knicks have clearly made it a priority to enhance their three-point shooting. Last season, they ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. The addition of Shamet, alongside other strategic moves, underscores their commitment to becoming a more formidable force from beyond the arc.
Previously in the summer, the Knicks also acquired Mikal Bridges, who brings with him a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Alongside Bridges, the team signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, a solid shooter in his own right with a career mark of 36.9% from three-point range. These acquisitions suggest a calculated effort to build a roster capable of spacing the floor and keeping defenses honest.
Returning Stars and New Faces
Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were central to the Knicks' three-point strategy last season, accounting for 42% of the team's long-range attempts. Their continued contribution will be crucial, though the addition of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne is expected to distribute the shooting responsibilities more evenly across the roster.
One player whose long-range performance will be closely watched is Julius Randle. Last season, Randle made just 31.1% of his three-point attempts despite averaging more than five shots per game from deep. As one of the Knicks' key players, any improvement in Randle's perimeter shooting would substantially benefit the team's offensive dynamics.
The Road Ahead
With Shamet joining the ranks alongside recently acquired sharpshooters Bridges and Payne, the Knicks are positioning themselves to be a more potent offensive unit. The ability to stretch the floor is paramount in today's NBA, and these additions provide head coach Tom Thibodeau with versatile options to deploy in various offensive schemes.
For Shamet, this season represents another opportunity to prove his worth and potentially find a more permanent home in the league. While his journey has seen many stops, the constant has been his ability to shoot the basketball. If history is any indicator, Shamet will embrace his role with the Knicks and look to add another chapter to his career narrative by helping New York advance deeper into the playoffs.
As the Knicks continue to fine-tune their roster, fans can hope that these strategic off-season moves translate into on-court success. The synergy between the new additions and the existing core will be pivotal in achieving the team's aspirations for the upcoming season.