The New York Knicks have bolstered their roster by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. Known for his sharp shooting, Shamet enters his sixth NBA team in just eight seasons. The Knicks aim to enhance their three-point capabilities, an area where Shamet has garnered a respectable reputation.
Shamet’s NBA Journey
Landry Shamet’s professional career began when he was selected as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018 NBA Draft. Midway through his rookie season, he found himself part of a trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers. Since then, he has played for several teams, making his way through the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and most recently, the Washington Wizards before joining the Knicks.
During his time in the league, Shamet has maintained a commendable career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%. However, his performance last season dipped slightly, with a 33.8% success rate from beyond the arc over 46 games with the Wizards. The Knicks will be hoping Shamet can return to his career average and bring much-needed perimeter shooting to the team.
Knicks’ Three-Point Shooting Last Season
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8 shots from long range. They also finished 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. Notably, two key players, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, were responsible for 42% of the Knicks' three-point shots. Julius Randle also contributed significantly, although his efficiency from beyond the arc was lower at 31.1%, despite averaging over five three-point attempts per game.
New Additions to the Roster
This summer has been busy for the Knicks, with several key acquisitions aimed at strengthening their lineup. The team acquired Mikal Bridges, who boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. They also signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who has a career three-point mark of 36.9%. These additions, along with Shamet, reflect a clear strategy to improve the team’s perimeter threat.
The combination of these new signings with the existing core could create a more dynamic and versatile offense for the Knicks. The hope is that increased efficiency from beyond the arc will open up more opportunities inside the paint, making the offense less predictable and more difficult to defend against.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will undoubtedly be on integrating these new players and finding the right chemistry. Shamet’s experience and shooting prowess could prove invaluable, especially in clutch situations where his ability to knock down critical three-pointers can change the momentum of a game.
With a reinforced roster and a clear emphasis on improving their three-point shooting, the Knicks are positioning themselves to be more competitive. Fans will be eager to see how these changes translate on the court and whether the team can climb higher in the standings.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how well the Knicks’ new acquisitions mesh with the current squad. The integration of proven shooters like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne into the team’s strategy will be a storyline to watch, potentially defining the team's success in the coming months.
In the ever-competitive NBA landscape, the Knicks’ moves signal an ambition to not just participate but to contend. Whether these changes are enough to push them into the upper echelons of the league will be the ultimate test.