The New York Knicks have added another piece to their roster puzzle, signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. The move signals the Knicks' ongoing efforts to bolster their perimeter shooting and depth as they aim to elevate their standing in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Shamet's Journey in the NBA
Landry Shamet, who entered the NBA as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has now joined his sixth team in eight seasons. His professional journey has seen him traded midway through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers. His path has been marked by frequent team changes, but Shamet has consistently demonstrated his capability as a reliable shooter from beyond the arc.
Throughout his career, Shamet has maintained an impressive 38.4% success rate from three-point land. However, his performance last season with the Washington Wizards saw a dip, with a three-point shooting percentage of 33.8% over 46 games. Despite this, the Knicks are banking on Shamet's potential to bounce back and provide a valuable shooting touch.
Knicks' Three-Point Strategy
Last season, the Knicks were middle-of-the-pack in terms of three-point shooting. Ranking 13th in three-point attempts per game with 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%, the team's long-range game was primarily driven by Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who together accounted for 42% of the Knicks' three-point attempts. Julius Randle, despite his high volume of attempts, struggled with efficiency, making just 31.1% of his three-point shots on an average of more than five attempts per game.
New Acquisitions and Future Outlook
The addition of Shamet is part of a broader strategy by the Knicks' front office to improve their three-point shooting. Earlier this summer, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, another sharpshooter with a career three-point percentage of 37.5%. Bridges' arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to the team's perimeter capabilities.
In addition to Shamet and Bridges, the Knicks also signed backup point guard Cameron Payne. Payne brings a career three-point mark of 36.9%, adding yet another proficient shooter to the roster. The influx of these players suggests a more pronounced focus on spacing the floor and providing consistent outside threats, which could prove pivotal in today's perimeter-oriented game.
As the Knicks gear up for the upcoming season, the integration of these new players, combined with the existing core, will be critical. The team’s success will hinge on how effectively these shooters can mesh within the offensive system and complement the playmaking of stars like Brunson and Randle. With Shamet and the new arrivals, Knicks fans can look forward to a season where their team has the potential to light it up from beyond the arc.