The New York Knicks have made a strategic move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year contract. With Shamet’s rich experience, the Knicks aim to sharpen their three-point shooting capabilities, a strategy reflecting their overall game plan for the upcoming season.
A Veteran's Journey
Landry Shamet, a seasoned player who started his NBA career as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has traversed a dynamic path through the league. His rookie season saw a mid-way trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, a move that initiated a series of team changes over the next eight years. Shamet’s journey has now led him to his sixth NBA team, the New York Knicks.
Throughout his career, Shamet has consistently demonstrated his prowess from beyond the arc. He boasts a career average of 38.4% success rate from three-point range, underscoring his value as a reliable perimeter shooter. However, last season with the Washington Wizards saw a dip in his performance, where he managed 33.8% from three over 46 games. Despite this, Shamet’s overall career numbers suggest a potential resurgence with his new team.
Enhancing the Knicks’ Arsenal
The Knicks have been actively seeking to enhance their three-point shooting. Last season, they ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game (35.8) and 14th in three-point percentage (36.9%). The acquisition of Shamet, alongside other strategic signings, aims to bolster these statistics.
Notably, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were significant contributors to the team’s long-range efforts last season, collectively responsible for 42% of the Knicks’ three-point attempts. While solid, the Knicks clearly see room for improvement and more balanced contributions across the roster.
Julius Randle, another key player for the Knicks, averaged more than five three-point shots per game last season, though he only managed to convert 31.1% of these attempts. The addition of Shamet is expected to alleviate some of the shooting pressure on Randle, potentially allowing him to take more selective, high-percentage shots.
Strategic Summer Moves
Landry Shamet is not the only significant addition to the Knicks this offseason. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges earlier in the summer adds another layer to the team’s shooting depth. Bridges, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, brings both defensive prowess and a reliable shooting touch.
Furthermore, the Knicks secured backup point guard Cameron Payne. Payne’s career three-point mark of 36.9% adds another dimension to the Knicks' backcourt, providing depth and versatility. These signings indicate a clear strategy: to fortify the team’s perimeter shooting capabilities and ensure a more potent offensive presence.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks prepare for the new season, the integration of these new signings will be crucial. The blend of veteran experience and shooting acumen that Shamet, Bridges, and Payne bring could potentially elevate the Knicks' performance from beyond the arc, making them a threat in an increasingly three-point-centric league.
Only time will tell how these strategic moves will pay off, but for now, the New York Knicks have positioned themselves to be a competitive force with their enhanced shooting lineup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these new pieces fit together and propel the team forward in their quest for a successful season.