The New York Knicks have made a significant move, signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This addition aims to bolster their three-point shooting capabilities, an area that has been a critical focus for the team in recent seasons.
A Seasoned Shooter with Experience
Landry Shamet, a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, quickly made an impact in the league. Mid-way through his rookie season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his adaptability and skill as a valuable asset. This move to join the Knicks marks Shamet's sixth team in eight seasons, reflecting both his journeyman status and the high regard in which his shooting skills are held across the league.
Over his career, Shamet boasts a commendable 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc. However, last season with the Washington Wizards, he experienced a dip, posting a 33.8% three-point percentage over 46 games. Despite this, the Knicks likely see potential for Shamet to rebound and provide critical spacing and scoring off the bench.
Enhancing the Knicks’ Perimeter Game
The Knicks have been actively seeking to improve their three-point shooting, an essential component of modern NBA offense. Last season, the team ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8, and 14th in three-point shooting percentage at 36.9%. With Shamet's addition, the Knicks aim to climb higher in these rankings.
Key contributors like Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were responsible for 42% of the team’s long-range attempts last season. Their performance will undoubtedly benefit from having another reliable shooter on the roster, potentially opening up more opportunities and reducing defensive pressure.
Star forward Julius Randle, who made 31.1% of his three-point attempts last season while averaging more than five three-point shots per game, also stands to gain from Shamet's presence. The added shooting threat could create more space for Randle to operate inside and outside the paint.
Strategic Summer Acquisitions
Shamet’s signing is just one of several strategic moves by the Knicks this off-season. Earlier this summer, they acquired Mikal Bridges, known for his defensive prowess and solid three-point shooting. Bridges has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, and his skill set is expected to complement the Knicks' overall game plan effectively.
Additionally, the Knicks secured backup point guard Cameron Payne, who brings a career three-point mark of 36.9%. Payne's role will likely be crucial in maintaining the offensive rhythm and providing reliable shooting from the backup position.
These acquisitions reflect a clear strategy by the Knicks’ front office: surround their core players with shooters who can spread the floor and create offensive versatility. With Shamet, Bridges, and Payne joining the squad, the Knicks are positioning themselves to be a more dynamic and threatening team from beyond the arc.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, the Knicks' roster revamp shows promise. The integration of proven shooters like Landry Shamet indicates a commitment to enhancing their perimeter game, a critical aspect of staying competitive in today’s NBA. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these moves translate to on-court success.
While the team’s overall performance will be the ultimate measure, the strategic signings suggest that the Knicks are serious about addressing their previous weaknesses and building a more formidable and balanced lineup. The upcoming season will reveal how well these new pieces fit into the larger puzzle as the Knicks aim to make a deeper playoff run.