The New York Knicks have made a strategic move in their offseason by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. The acquisition adds a well-traveled sharpshooter to their roster, potentially bolstering the team's offensive depth from the perimeter.
An experienced player, Shamet entered the NBA as a first-round pick with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. His rookie season saw him traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, a move that began a journey across the league that has now landed him with his sixth team in just eight seasons. Despite playing for multiple teams, Shamet's ability to hit from beyond the arc has remained a constant. He boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%, a statistic that underlines his capability as a reliable perimeter threat.
Last season with the Washington Wizards, Shamet's numbers dipped slightly as he shot 33.8% from three-point range over 46 games. While this figure is below his career average, his experience and previous performances indicate he could rebound with a stronger shooting performance. The Knicks are betting on just that, seeing Shamet as a piece that can complement their existing roster.
Knicks' Offensive Strategy
In the previous season, the Knicks showcased a solid method from beyond the arc. Ranking 13th in three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%, the team demonstrated a balanced approach from long range. The addition of Shamet, whose career has been marked by a knack for hitting crucial threes, suggests an intent to enhance these numbers.
The Knicks relied heavily on Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who together accounted for 42% of the team's three-point attempts last season. With Shamet joining the fold, there is potential for a more diversified three-point attack, which could relieve some of the pressure off DiVincenzo and Brunson.
New Faces and Known Quantities
This offseason has seen the Knicks making several notable additions. Prior to securing Shamet, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, a player with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Bridges, known for his defensive prowess and stability, adds another layer of depth to the Knicks' rotations. Pairing Bridges with Shamet provides the Knicks with more versatility on both ends of the floor.
Additionally, the Knicks added backup point guard Cameron Payne, who brings with him a respectable career three-point mark of 36.9%. Payne's presence is expected to bolster the bench unit, giving the team another option to keep the offense flowing when the starters rest.
Integrating Shamet into the Squad
One of the challenges for Coach Tom Thibodeau will be integrating Shamet into the existing system. With Julius Randle making 31.1% of his three-point attempts while averaging more than five shots per game from beyond the arc last season, there's a clear focus on spacing the floor and creating open looks. Shamet, known for his quick release and movement off the ball, could fit seamlessly into this strategy.
Shamet’s experience in varied systems under different coaches might also provide valuable insights and adaptability, potentially aiding younger players on the roster. The Knicks' training camp will be crucial in establishing synergy and ensuring that these new pieces can mesh well with the established core.
The Knicks' front office clearly has a vision for the team’s offensive potential, and these offseason moves reflect a commitment to refining that vision. By bringing in a mix of experienced shooters and versatile defenders, the Knicks are positioning themselves to be more competitive in the upcoming season. As the new additions adapt and find their roles, fans will undoubtedly be keen to see how these strategic moves play out on the court.
In conclusion, Landry Shamet's signing could prove to be a significant step forward for a Knicks team looking to improve their standing in a competitive league. With a career three-point percentage aligning well with the team's needs and a wealth of professional experience under his belt, Shamet’s contribution will be one to watch as the season unfolds.