The New York Knicks have made a strategic move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. Shamet, who was originally drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as a first-round pick in 2018, has since journeyed through the NBA, making the Knicks his sixth team in eight seasons. This addition brings both experience and a strong three-point shooting pedigree to New York.
A Career on the Move
Shamet’s career has seen him don the jerseys of multiple teams, starting with the 76ers and soon after moving to the Los Angeles Clippers mid-way through his rookie season. His ability to adapt to different team dynamics has been a hallmark of his professional journey. Over the years, Shamet has carved out a niche for himself as a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, boasting a career 38.4% success rate in three-point shooting.
However, last season was somewhat challenging for Shamet. While playing 46 games for the Washington Wizards, his three-point shooting percentage dipped to 33.8%. Despite this, his career averages suggest that he still has the capability to bounce back and provide effective spacing on the floor for the Knicks.
Knicks’ Three-Point Strategy
Last season, the Knicks took a middle-of-the-pack approach to three-point shooting, ranking 13th in the league with 35.8 attempts per game and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. Key contributors to this strategy were Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who collectively accounted for 42% of the team's long-range attempts. Their contributions were critical, yet there remains room for improvement.
Julius Randle, another primary player for the Knicks, made 31.1% of his three-point attempts last season while averaging over five shots from beyond the arc per game. With Shamet now in the mix, the Knicks are adding another potential perimeter threat, which could be instrumental in boosting their offensive statistics.
New Faces in New York
The Knicks have not only brought in Shamet but also made other notable acquisitions. Earlier this summer, they acquired Mikal Bridges, known for his defensive prowess and respectable three-point shooting. Bridges boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, offering additional firepower from the perimeter.
Additionally, the Knicks signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who brings along a solid career three-point mark of 36.9%. His inclusion provides depth to the roster, particularly in supporting roles where consistent shooting can make a significant difference.
What This Means for the Knicks
The signing of Landry Shamet could be seen as a strategic maneuver to bolster the Knicks' three-point shooting capabilities. As the league continues to emphasize the importance of long-range shooting, having multiple reliable shooters is crucial. Shamet's career numbers suggest that he can contribute effectively, especially if he can regain his form from previous seasons.
With additions like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne, the Knicks are clearly focused on creating more offensive options and spreading the floor. This could potentially open up more driving lanes and scoring opportunities for players like Randle and Brunson, ultimately aiming to elevate the Knicks' performance in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
The upcoming season will reveal how well these new pieces fit into the Knicks' game plan. However, the clear intention to improve their three-point shooting efficiency and overall versatility is a positive sign for Knicks fans looking forward to seeing their team make a deeper push in the playoffs.