The New York Knicks have made a strategic offseason move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year contract. This addition aims to bolster the team's depth and long-range shooting capability. Shamet, who was drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has demonstrated his value as a reliable shooter in the NBA.
Over the course of his career, Shamet has donned the jerseys of several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, who acquired him mid-way through his rookie season. His upcoming stint with the Knicks will mark his sixth team in eight seasons. Despite the frequent changes, Shamet has maintained a commendable 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc. Such consistency offers hope for the Knicks, especially considering their shooting performance last season.
Transitioning to his performance with the Washington Wizards last season, Shamet's three-point percentage dipped slightly to 33.8% over 46 games. Nevertheless, his overall career statistics and experience make him a valuable asset for any team aiming to improve their perimeter shooting. The Knicks, who ranked 13th in three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%, will undoubtedly benefit from Shamet’s presence.
Enhancing the Backcourt
Landry Shamet isn't the only new face aiming to contribute to the Knicks' backcourt. Earlier this summer, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, who boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Additionally, the team signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who has a solid career three-point mark of 36.9%. These moves demonstrate the Knicks' clear strategy to strengthen their shooting arsenal, adding players who can stretch the floor and provide consistent outside scoring.
Last season, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were significant contributors to the Knicks’ three-point efforts, accounting for 42% of the team’s long-range attempts. The addition of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne provides a multifaceted threat from beyond the arc, which could ease the offensive burden on key players and potentially create more scoring opportunities across the roster.
Strategic Significance
Julius Randle, one of the Knicks' primary offensive players, made 31.1% of his three-point attempts last season and averaged more than five three-point shots per game. While Randle's willingness to shoot from deep is commendable, the addition of high-percentage shooters like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne might allow him to focus more on his inside game, where he is particularly effective. This balanced offensive approach could be instrumental in orchestrating a more dynamic and unpredictable Knicks offense.
In summary, the New York Knicks have made calculated moves to improve their shooting prowess by acquiring seasoned players with proven three-point capabilities. Landry Shamet’s career statistics and experience, combined with the additions of Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne, signal a deliberate strategy to fortify the team’s backcourt and shooting efficiency. These roster enhancements aim not only to elevate the Knicks' performance in the upcoming season but also to solidify their long-term competitiveness in the NBA. The Knicks' fans have reasons to look forward with optimism as their team seeks to climb the ranks with a more robust and versatile playing style.