The New York Knicks have made a significant move to bolster their backcourt by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. With his arrival, Shamet becomes the latest addition to a team that appears committed to enhancing its perimeter shooting capabilities.
An Experienced Marksman Joins the Ranks
Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as a first-round pick in 2018, Shamet quickly displayed his shooting prowess in the NBA. However, his journey has been anything but stable. Midway through his rookie season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. This latest signing with the Knicks marks his sixth team in just eight seasons, a testament to his resourcefulness and adaptability as a professional athlete.
Shamet's career three-point shooting percentage stands at an impressive 38.4%. However, his recent form suggests room for improvement: last season, playing for the Washington Wizards, he posted a 33.8% success rate from beyond the arc over 46 games. Despite this dip, the Knicks seem optimistic that Shamet will provide the long-range accuracy needed to enhance their offensive arsenal.
Knicks' Shooting Strategy
Last season, the Knicks were notably active from three-point range, ranking 13th in the league with 35.8 attempts per game. Their efficiency placed them 14th, with a collective three-point percentage of 36.9%. The duo of Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson was instrumental, accounting for 42% of the team’s long-range attempts.
Power forward Julius Randle also contributed significantly, though his accuracy left room for improvement. Randle attempted over five three-point shots per game, making just 31.1% of those attempts. The addition of Shamet could potentially relieve some of the long-range shooting burden off Randle, allowing him to focus on other aspects of his game.
Building a Formidable Roster
This off-season has been busy for the Knicks, who showed their intent to compete by acquiring Mikal Bridges earlier in the summer. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, Bridges is expected to play a key role in the team's perimeter game. Alongside Bridges and the newly acquired Shamet, the Knicks also added backup point guard Cameron Payne, whose career three-point mark stands at 36.9%.
Combining these new assets with an already well-equipped roster sets the stage for an intriguing season. The Knicks’ tactical focus on enhancing their three-point shooting capabilities is evidently reflected in these acquisitions.
The Road Ahead
Landry Shamet's signing exemplifies the Knicks' strategic direction. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting can open up driving lanes and provide spacing for teammates like Brunson and Randle. As Shamet integrates into the Knicks' system, his veteran presence and shooting acumen could prove invaluable, particularly in clutch situations where a consistent outside threat is paramount.
While every signing comes with its uncertainties, the Knicks have displayed a clear vision in this off-season: to fortify their perimeter shooting and, by extension, their overall offense. As the new season approaches, the anticipation builds to see how these calculated moves will translate onto the court and where this rejuvenated roster can take the New York franchise.