The New York Knicks have made significant moves to bolster their roster, signing veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharpshooter Landry Shamet. Both players join the team on Exhibit 9 contracts, signaling the Knicks' intent to inject a mix of experience and precision shooting into their lineup. As the Knicks continue to refine their roster during training camp, the additions of Morris and Shamet—alongside Chuma Okeke, also on a non-guaranteed deal—introduce intriguing new dynamics.
Marcus Morris: A Familiar Face Returns
Marcus Morris brings a wealth of experience to the Knicks, having spent 13 seasons in the NBA while representing eight different teams. Notably, Morris returns to New York after a previous stint during the 2019-20 season, where he became a reliable presence before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline. Last season saw Morris concluding his campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, continuing to showcase his versatility and veteran leadership.
Entering his age-35 season, Morris comes back to a familiar environment and aims to provide stability and shooting prowess. Known for his three-point accuracy, Morris boasts a career percentage of 37.7% from beyond the arc, having shot just above 40% last season—a testament to his enduring efficiency.
Landry Shamet: Adding Precision to the Perimeter
Landry Shamet joins the Knicks with a reputation as a reliable shooter, crucial for a team looking to solidify its outside presence. Landing an Exhibit 9 contract, Shamet's role in spreading the floor and providing spacing will be critical. As the Knicks evaluate their roster, Shamet’s precision from long range offers a much-needed dimension to their offensive gameplay.
Chuma Okeke: Youthful Potential
While Morris and Shamet bring experience and shooting, Chuma Okeke's addition on a non-guaranteed deal brings youth and potential to the mix. A former first-round pick by the Orlando Magic, Okeke's development will be closely watched during training camp. His ability to contribute will be assessed alongside Morris’s versatility and Shamet’s sharpshooting.
Training Camp Competition
The competition for roster spots is expected to be intense. The Knicks' sentiment towards the final roster slot reflects their desire for reliability. "We want a known quantity as our 15th man," an indication of their preference for seasoned players who can immediately contribute.
Morris’s tenure, experience, and track record with the Knicks may give him an edge. His ability to play multiple positions and stretch the floor aligns well with the team’s current strategic directions. Meanwhile, Shamet’s role can't be understated, especially for a team prioritizing outside shooting. His capacity to impact the game with his three-point shooting might just secure him a place in the roster.
Okeke's opportunity lies in proving his youthful potential. While the experienced Morris and the sharp-shooting Shamet bring specific skills, Okeke has the chance to showcase his ability to grow and contribute over a longer period. Training camp will be the definitive platform where these players' skills and fit within the squad will be scrutinized.
Conclusion
The Knicks' recent signings reflect their strategic approach to balancing experience, shooting accuracy, and potential. By adding Marcus Morris, Landry Shamet, and Chuma Okeke to their training camp roster, the team has set the stage for a competitive evaluation period. The blend of Morris's veteran presence, Shamet's shooting prowess, and Okeke’s developmental upside presents a fascinating dynamic as the Knicks shape their final roster for the upcoming season.