The New York Knicks have recently made strategic moves to enhance their roster by signing veteran forward Marcus Morris and sniper Landry Shamet. Both players join the team on Exhibit 9 contracts, a move that underscores the Knicks' intention to bolster their depth and shooting proficiency.
Veteran Presence
Marcus Morris brings a wealth of experience to the Knicks, having accumulated 13 years in the NBA. Over the course of his career, Morris has represented eight different teams, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. His return to the Knicks marks a significant addition, as he previously donned the orange and blue during the 2019-20 season before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline.
Most recently, Morris concluded the past season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where his performance remained solid. Now entering his age-35 season, Morris aims to contribute his seasoned experience and leadership to a Knicks team that is looking to make a deep postseason run.
Sharpshooting Precision
Morris is not only known for his versatility on the floor but also for his sharpshooting capabilities. He holds a commendable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.7% and notably improved that mark last season, shooting just above 40% from long range. Such efficiency from beyond the arc is a valuable asset for any team, particularly for the Knicks, who are keen on solidifying their outside shooting.
New Additions and Youthful Potential
Alongside Morris, Landry Shamet has also joined the Knicks on an Exhibit 9 contract. Known for his precision shooting, Shamet brings a reliable outside threat to the Knicks’ offensive arsenal. His arrival is in line with the team's strategy to enhance their perimeter shooting capabilities.
Adding to the mix is Chuma Okeke, the former first-round pick by the Orlando Magic, who is also on a non-guaranteed deal with the Knicks. Okeke’s youthful potential adds another dimension to the roster as the team assesses his fit during training camp. His development and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor could provide significant upside for the Knicks.
Training Camp Battles
As the Knicks head into training camp, Marcus Morris, Landry Shamet, and Chuma Okeke will be competing for valuable roster spots. Each player brings a unique set of skills to the table: Morris’s versatility, Shamet’s precision shooting, and Okeke’s youthful potential. These qualities will be closely evaluated by the coaching staff as they make decisions on the final lineup.
One key sentiment from the Knicks’ management highlights their approach to these roster decisions: "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 ahead of the season.
The signing of Marcus Morris and Landry Shamet, alongside the assessment of Chuma Okeke, reflects the Knicks' commitment to refining their squad with a blend of experience, shooting prowess, and potential for growth. As training camp progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these additions integrate with the team and what impact they will have on the Knicks' ambitions for the upcoming season.