The New York Knicks have taken another step to bolster their backcourt by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This addition is part of a broader strategy to improve their perimeter shooting, a key focus area for the team.
Shamet's Journey
Although Shamet is only eight seasons into his NBA career, he has already made quite a journey across the league. Originally drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, Shamet was traded midway through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers. This new contract with the Knicks marks his sixth team in those eight years. Despite the frequent moves, Shamet has built a reputation as a reliable shooter, boasting a career 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc.
Last season with the Washington Wizards, Shamet's performance dipped slightly, hitting 33.8% of his three-point attempts over 46 games. Nonetheless, his established track record suggests he can provide valuable shooting depth for the Knicks.
The Knicks' Perimeter Play
In the previous season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. Players like Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were pivotal in these statistics, accounting for 42% of the Knicks' long-range attempts last season.
Julius Randle, another key contributor, made 31.1% of his three-point shots while attempting more than five per game. His performance has been inconsistent from beyond the arc, making Shamet's addition all the more critical for spreading the floor and creating space for other offensive plays.
Strategic Acquisitions
The Knicks have been active in the off-season, not just securing Shamet but also making strategic additions that contribute to their perimeter game. Earlier this summer, the team acquired Mikal Bridges, who has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Additionally, they signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%.
These moves signal a clear focus on enhancing the team's perimeter shooting capabilities. The front office appears committed to addressing the gaps that hindered their performance last season, particularly in their outside shooting.
Looking Forward
Shamet brings experience and a proven ability to knock down shots from long range. The Knicks are banking on his presence to provide a steadying influence on the court and contribute to their goal of becoming a more formidable threat from deep.
As the new season approaches, the Knicks' roster changes reflect a deliberate strategy aimed at refining their offensive dynamics. Shamet’s signing fits neatly into this blueprint, as they build a team capable of contending more robustly in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.
With these targeted additions, the Knicks aim to improve their standing and push deeper into the playoffs. Fans will be eager to see how these new components gel and whether the emphasis on three-point shooting translates into consistent success. The journey to becoming a top-tier team continues, and the acquisition of players like Landry Shamet represents another step in the right direction.