In a strategic move to bolster their roster, the New York Knicks have signed veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharpshooter Landry Shamet. Both players join the franchise on Exhibit 9 contracts, reinforcing a campaign to solidify the Knicks’ outside shooting depth and overall team versatility.
Marcus Morris: A Returning Veteran
Marcus Morris, no stranger to the basketball community, brings a wealth of experience to the Knicks. With 13 years of NBA tenure under his belt, Morris has donned the jerseys of eight different teams, showcasing versatility and adaptation skills. Notably, Morris previously played for the Knicks during the 2019-20 season. In a midseason move, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline. Last season saw Morris concluding his playtime with the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking another chapter in his diverse career.
As he enters his age-35 season, Morris carries with him a respectable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.7%. Even more impressive, he managed to shoot just above 40% from beyond the arc last season. This precision from long range makes Morris a valuable asset as the Knicks look to enhance their perimeter game.
Landry Shamet: The Sniper Joins the Fold
Accompanying Morris is Landry Shamet, another key addition aimed at strengthening the Knicks' outside shooting. Like Morris, Shamet joins the team on an Exhibit 9 contract. Known for his sharpshooting ability, Shamet’s inclusion is a strategic move by the Knicks to address their perimeter shooting deficiencies. Shamet brings his own brand of precision and could be pivotal in clutch situations where long-range accuracy is essential.
The Quest for Roster Spots
The Knicks are currently in a phase of meticulous evaluation as they seek to finalize their roster. Notably, Marcus Morris, Landry Shamet, and Chuma Okeke, a former first-round pick from the Orlando Magic, find themselves in a competitive stretch during training camp. Each of these players brings a unique blend of skills to the table. Morris’s veteran presence and versatility, Shamet’s pinpoint shooting, and Okeke’s youthful potential are all under the microscope as the Knicks' management formulates their final roster decisions.
The sentiment within the Knicks management circles reflects a clear strategy: "We want a known quantity as our 15th man." This statement underscores the importance of proven skills and reliability, particularly for the final roster slots where every player's contribution could be crucial over the grueling NBA season.
Chuma Okeke: The Youthful Hopeful
Chuma Okeke’s non-guaranteed deal signifies an opportunity for the young forward to make his mark. Despite his relative inexperience compared to Morris and Shamet, Okeke’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Knicks’ coaching staff is weighing his raw talent and growth potential as they navigate through the complexities of building a well-rounded and formidable squad.
The competition in training camp will be fierce, but such intensity is what drives players to elevate their game. It also provides the Knicks with a comprehensive view of who can contribute meaningfully when the regular season tips off. Each player's performance in the coming days will be instrumental in shaping the Knicks' strategy, both offensively and defensively.
As the New York Knicks continue their preparations, the additions of Marcus Morris and Landry Shamet reflect a calculated approach to addressing team needs. The experience and specific skill sets of these players could prove indispensable as the Knicks aim to make significant strides in their quest for playoff success. Training camp will undoubtedly be a pivotal period for the team, setting the stage for the outcomes that will unfold in the upcoming NBA season.