The New York Knicks have made a strategic move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This acquisition marks Shamet's sixth team in his eight-season NBA career, further underscoring the journeyman nature of the talented shooter.
A Career in Review
Landry Shamet, originally drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, quickly showed his potential as a sharpshooter. Early in his rookie season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the start of his frequent relocations within the league. Despite the constant changes in his professional home, Shamet has maintained a commendable career three-point success rate of 38.4%.
Last season, Shamet donned the Washington Wizards' jersey, where he posted a slightly lower three-point shooting percentage of 33.8% over 46 games. While these numbers are below his career average, Shamet's ability to contribute from beyond the arc remains a valuable asset.
Bolstering the Knicks' Perimeter Game
The addition of Shamet comes at a pivotal time for the Knicks. Last season, the team ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. The team's performance from the perimeter, while respectable, showcased room for improvement.
Two of the Knicks' key contributors to their long-range efforts were Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who collectively accounted for 42% of the team's three-point attempts. However, with Julius Randle's modest three-point shooting percentage of 31.1% despite averaging more than five attempts per game, the Knicks clearly needed to diversify their shooting threats.
Rounding Out the Roster
The Knicks have not stopped with Shamet. Earlier this summer, they acquired Mikal Bridges, a player known for his defensive prowess and consistent shooting from distance. Bridges holds a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, making him a reliable option to stretch the floor.
Additionally, the Knicks enhanced their backcourt depth by signing backup point guard Cameron Payne, who brings a solid career three-point shooting mark of 36.9%. Payne’s ability to contribute off the bench could provide the Knicks with the spark needed during key moments of the game.
A Calculated Bet
The signing of Shamet represents a calculated bet by the Knicks’ front office. By integrating new shooters into their system, they hope to elevate their performance from beyond the arc and add a layer of complexity to their offense. With Shamet’s historically reliable shooting, along with the recent additions of Bridges and Payne, the Knicks seem poised to enhance their perimeter game substantially.
Only time will tell how these changes might shift the Knicks' dynamics. However, the strategic moves suggest a clear intent to rise in the league rankings, both in perimeter shooting and overall performance. Knicks fans will undoubtedly be keen to see how these new acquisitions gel with the existing roster and whether they can propel the team to greater heights in the upcoming season.