The New York Knicks have made significant moves to bolster their roster by signing veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharpshooter Landry Shamet. Both players have agreed to join the team on Exhibit 9 contracts, a key step as the Knicks gear up for the upcoming season.
Experience and Familiarity
Marcus Morris returns to the Knicks with a wealth of experience under his belt, marking his 13th year in the NBA. Having previously played for the Knicks during the 2019-20 season, Morris is no stranger to Madison Square Garden. His tenure with the Knicks ended when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline. Since then, Morris has added further experience to his resume, concluding the past season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At 35 years old, Morris brings veteran leadership and a versatile skill set to the table. Known for his reliable three-point shooting, Morris boasts a career percentage of 37.7% from beyond the arc. Notably, he managed to shoot just above 40% from three-point range last season, indicating that his shooting touch remains sharp.
Sharpshooting Addition
Landry Shamet joins the Knicks with a reputation for precision shooting, something the team has been actively seeking to improve. Shamet's addition aligns with the Knicks' efforts to enhance their outside shooting capabilities. His skill set as a sniper will be crucial as the team looks to stretch the floor and create more scoring opportunities.
Competing for a Spot
In addition to Morris and Shamet, Chuma Okeke, a former first-round pick by the Orlando Magic, is also in the mix on a non-guaranteed deal. The Knicks are evaluating all three players—Morris, Shamet, and Okeke—during training camp, with each vying for a coveted roster spot.
Morris’s versatility, Shamet’s precision, and Okeke’s youthful potential offer the Knicks a variety of options to consider. As the team shapes its final roster, each player will need to demonstrate their value and fit within the system.
Strategic Considerations
With the competition heating up, the Knicks are focused on making strategic decisions for their roster. The sentiment within the organization is clear: "We want a known quantity as our 15th man." This statement underscores the team's desire for reliability and proven performance as they finalize their roster decisions.
The addition of Morris and Shamet could prove to be pivotal as the Knicks aim to solidify their rotation. Morris brings a blend of experience and shooting that can provide stability and scoring punch off the bench. Shamet’s sharpshooting ability can open up the floor and provide a much-needed boost to the team's perimeter game.
For Okeke, the opportunity to compete for a roster spot presents a chance to carve out a role and demonstrate his potential at the NBA level. His journey will be closely watched as the Knicks assess his fit within their long-term plans.
As training camp progresses, the Knicks will continue to evaluate the contributions and chemistry of Morris, Shamet, and Okeke. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the team's lineup as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming NBA season.
Overall, the Knicks' recent signings reflect a strategic approach aimed at enhancing their depth and competitiveness. With veteran leadership, sharpshooting prowess, and youthful potential in the mix, the team is poised to make informed decisions that will impact their season. As fans eagerly await the season's start, the competition within the Knicks' training camp promises to be a storyline worth following.