The New York Knicks have made headlines by securing the services of veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet on a one-year deal. Shamet, who was initially drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, brings a wealth of experience and a sharp shooting touch to a Knicks team with playoff aspirations.
A Journeyman’s Journey
Shamet's journey in the NBA has been anything but stable. After starting his career with the 76ers, he was traded mid-way through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers. In the ensuing years, Shamet has played for several teams, making his upcoming season with the Knicks his sixth team in eight seasons. Despite the constant change of scenery, Shamet has carved out a niche as a reliable shooter, boasting a career 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc.
However, last season was a bit of a struggle for Shamet. While playing for the Washington Wizards, his three-point percentage dipped to 33.8% over 46 games. The Knicks are undoubtedly hoping that a fresh start in New York will help Shamet rediscover his shooting prowess and contribute significantly to their outside scoring.
Addressing the Knicks’ Needs
The Knicks' roster construction has heavily leaned on three-point shooting, with the team ranking 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game at 35.8. They sit in the middle of the pack concerning their accuracy, coming in 14th with a 36.9% conversion rate from beyond the arc. Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson have been pivotal in this regard, accounting for 42% of the Knicks' long-range attempts last season.
Julius Randle, a cornerstone of the Knicks' gameplay, also contributed a substantial volume of threes, attempting more than five per game last season. However, his success rate stood at 31.1%, indicating there's room for improvement in the team's overall efficiency from deep.
Reinforcing the Arsenal
The acquisition of Shamet is a part of a broader strategy by the Knicks' front office to bolster their shooting capabilities. Earlier this summer, the team also secured Mikal Bridges, who brings a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5% to the table. The synergy between Shamet and Bridges could be instrumental in elevating the Knicks' perimeter game.
Additionally, the signing of backup point guard Cameron Payne, who boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%, further underscores the Knicks' commitment to enhancing their backcourt depth and shooting efficiency.
Expectations and Aspirations
As the Knicks gear up for the upcoming season, the integration of these new additions will be crucial. The onus will be on head coach Tom Thibodeau to effectively blend Shamet’s shooting skills with the existing core. Given Shamet's track record, there is a reasonable expectation that he will offer valuable spacing and scoring off the bench or alongside the primary unit.
The Knicks have found themselves in a position where every percentage point in shooting can make a difference in clutch situations and overall team performance. With Shamet's historical accuracy from three-point range, his presence could tilt the balance in tight games, providing the Knicks with a much-needed edge in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Shamet's addition is just one piece of the puzzle as the Knicks look to build on their successes and address their shortcomings from the previous season. With a reinforced roster featuring proven shooters, New York fans have reasons to be optimistic as they aim for a deep playoff run.
In conclusion, Landry Shamet's move to the New York Knicks is a calculated addition that fits neatly into the team's broader strategy to improve their perimeter game. His veteran presence, combined with the shooting talents of Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne, positions the Knicks to be a more formidable threat from beyond the arc. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to watch how these new elements coalesce and whether they can propel the Knicks to greater heights.