The New York Knicks have signed experienced shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year contract, continuing their trend of strategic offseason moves. Landry Shamet, who was originally drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, brings a swath of professional experience to the Knicks' roster. Known for his sharpshooting capabilities, Shamet has bounced among six different teams over his eight-year NBA career.
A New Face in New York
Shamet's journey through the NBA has seen him wear various jerseys, starting with the Philadelphia 76ers and including a mid-rookie season trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. His latest stint was with the Washington Wizards, where he played 46 games last season. Despite a slight dip in performance, posting a 33.8% success rate from three-point range, Shamet stands out with a career average of 38.4% from beyond the arc. This consistency from long range can provide an additional offensive spark for the Knicks, who have been making calculated moves recently to bolster their roster.
Boosting Perimeter Play
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the NBA in three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8 shots from deep. They also placed 14th in three-point shooting percentage at 36.9%, a respectable position but one that leaves room for improvement. Shamet’s career statistics promise to offer that incremental edge, fitting seamlessly into a team that lacks some perimeter shooting prowess.
The Knicks' emphasis on improving their three-point shooting is evident when you look at their offseason acquisitions. In addition to Shamet, the Knicks signed Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, both of whom were responsible for 42% of the team's long-range attempts last season. Mikal Bridges, acquired earlier this summer, and backup point guard Cameron Payne, further exemplify this perimeter focus. Bridges propels a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, while Payne brings a solid 36.9% from his previous tenures. These moves suggest a strategic layering of shooters around their core players.
Strategic Additions
Julius Randle remains a vital part of the Knicks' offensive arsenal, last year making 31.1% of his three-point shots while taking more than five per game. The arrival of another dependable shooter like Shamet can alleviate some of the perimeter pressure off Randle, potentially opening up the floor for more versatile offensive plays. Together with Bridges and Payne, and the already formidable combination of DiVincenzo and Brunson, Shamet’s addition ideally rounds out a revamped Knicks' lineup.
These carefully orchestrated moves reflect the Knicks' front office's dedication to creating a more balanced and potent team, especially from beyond the arc. With Shamet on board, the team now boasts a blend of proven talent and fresh perspectives that can drive their ambitions for the upcoming season. The Knicks are looking to leverage these talents to not only secure a playoff berth but to make a deep run come postseason. As the season draws closer, fans and analysts alike will keenly observe if these calculated additions will translate into tangible success on the court.
Indeed, it’s an interesting time to be a Knicks fan. This team's transformation over the offseason demonstrates an acute awareness of where improvements were necessary. Shamet, with his wealth of experience and shooting acumen, could prove to be a linchpin in achieving the Knicks' envisioned success.