The New York Knicks have made a strategic move in the off-season by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year contract. This acquisition adds another dimension to the Knicks' perimeter shooting, an area of the game crucial in today's NBA landscape.
Shamet, a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, has seen his fair share of the league, having played for six different teams in eight seasons. Mid-way through his rookie season, Shamet was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, setting the tone for a career marked by adaptability and resilience.
A Proven Sharpshooter
Throughout his career, Shamet has established himself as a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, boasting a career success rate of 38.4% on three-pointers. His ability to spread the floor has always been a valuable asset, although he experienced a dip in his shooting performance last season with the Washington Wizards, where he posted a 33.8% success rate over 46 games.
Knicks' Three-Point Strategy
Last season, the Knicks demonstrated their reliance on long-range shooting, ranking 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game at 35.8. They also maintained a respectable three-point percentage, finishing 14th with a 36.9% success rate. The addition of Shamet will likely provide more consistency and depth as they continue to prioritize outside shooting.
Key contributors to the Knicks' three-point attempts last season were Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who collectively accounted for 42% of the team's shots from beyond the arc. The signing of Shamet will undoubtedly ease some of the load carried by these players, providing much-needed rotation depth.
Support Cast and New Additions
In addition to Shamet, the Knicks have also made other significant moves this off-season. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges earlier in the summer stands out. Bridges, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, promises to boost the Knicks' outside scoring capabilities. Another strategic signing is backup point guard Cameron Payne, who brings a career three-point mark of 36.9%, adding another layer of depth to the team's shooting arsenal.
Julius Randle, who played a pivotal role last season, remains a key part of the Knicks' long-term strategy. Despite making only 31.1% of his three-point attempts, Randle's volume of shots from beyond the arc—averaging more than five per game—underscores his importance in the Knicks’ offensive scheme.
The Road Ahead
With these new additions, the Knicks are setting themselves up for a more versatile and potent offense heading into the new season. Landry Shamet's experience and shooting prowess are expected to enhance the team's overall dynamic, providing stability and a much-needed scoring option from the bench.
The New York Knicks have made calculated moves to fortify their perimeter shooting and add depth to their roster. As they integrate Shamet, Bridges, and Payne into their system, the Knicks are poised to climb the ranks and make a considerable impact in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.