The New York Knicks have bolstered their backcourt by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet on a one-year deal. Shamet, a proficient perimeter threat, brings a wealth of experience as he joins his sixth NBA team in eight seasons.
Drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, Shamet's NBA journey has been a testament to his adaptability and resilience. Midway through his rookie season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his ability to quickly integrate into new systems. Over the course of his career, Shamet has established himself as a reliable shooter, boasting a career 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc. Despite a slight dip last season with the Washington Wizards, where he posted a 33.8% three-point shooting percentage over 46 games, his overall consistency remains an asset.
Strengthening the Knicks' Perimeter Game
The addition of Shamet aligns with the Knicks' strategic focus on enhancing their long-range shooting capabilities. Last season, the team ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game with an average of 35.8, and 14th in three-point shooting percentage at 36.9%. These numbers highlight a solid foundation that could benefit from Shamet's experience and accuracy.
Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo played pivotal roles in the Knicks' perimeter game last year, accounting for 42% of the team's long-range attempts. With Julius Randle also contributing significantly—despite a modest 31.1% success rate on more than five attempts per game—the integration of Shamet could potentially offer a more consistent outside presence. Randle's volume shooting, combined with Shamet's precision, might just provide the balance the Knicks need to elevate their offensive efficiency.
New Faces, New Dynamics
Shamet is not the only new addition to the Knicks' roster this offseason. The team has also secured the services of Mikal Bridges, a player with a reputable three-point shooting percentage of 37.5% throughout his career. Bridges' ability to stretch the floor and his defensive prowess are expected to complement the Knicks’ current lineup.
In addition to Bridges, the Knicks have signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who enters with a career three-point mark of 36.9%. Payne's ability to orchestrate the offense and his scoring threat from beyond the arc represent another strategic move by the Knicks to enhance their perimeter game.
The Road Ahead
As the Knicks integrate these new pieces, the outlook for their shooting performance appears promising. Shamet's addition brings not just a seasoned sharpshooter but also a player with a deep understanding of the league's competitive landscape. His experience with multiple teams could provide valuable insights and adaptability to the Knicks’ evolving strategies.
Given the evolving nature of the NBA and the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting, the Knicks' moves this offseason reflect a clear understanding of these trends. By bringing in players like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne, the team is positioning itself to be more formidable from the perimeter.
While the upcoming season will reveal how these new dynamics play out on the court, the Knicks' proactive approach in the offseason indicates a strategic commitment to improving their overall game. With their latest acquisitions, the Knicks are not just adding depth but also aiming to sharpen their shooting precision, a critical element in today’s fast-paced, perimeter-oriented NBA.