The New York Knicks have made strategic moves by signing veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharpshooter Landry Shamet, both joining on Exhibit 9 contracts. These additions come as the Knicks aim to solidify their roster with experienced players ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
Veteran Presence: Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris brings an extensive résumé to the Knicks, boasting 13 years of NBA experience. Throughout his career, Morris has played for eight different NBA teams, including a stint with the Knicks during the 2019-20 season. During that season, Morris was a key contributor before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline.
Last season, Morris concluded his campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his value as a seasoned veteran. Now at 35 years old, Morris remains a reliable presence on the court. Known for his versatility and scoring ability, he has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.7%. Notably, Morris shot just above 40% from long range last season, indicating that he can still perform at a high level.
Strategic Shooting: Landry Shamet
In addition to Morris, the Knicks also secured Landry Shamet, recognized for his precision shooting. Shamet’s signing is part of the Knicks' strategy to enhance their outside shooting capabilities. With the addition of Shamet, the Knicks are addressing a critical need for consistent perimeter shooting, which has become increasingly important in the modern NBA.
Rising Potential: Chuma Okeke
Accompanying Morris and Shamet as new acquisitions is Chuma Okeke, a former first-round pick by the Orlando Magic. Okeke, currently on a non-guaranteed deal with the Knicks, represents youthful potential. His performance during training camp will be closely evaluated as he competes for a roster spot.
Training Camp Competition
As the Knicks enter training camp, the competition for roster spots intensifies. Morris, Shamet, and Okeke are all vying to prove their worth. The Knicks' management has emphasized the importance of having a reliable player to fill the final roster slot. "We want a known quantity as our 15th man." This sentiment underscores the team's desire for stability and experience as they finalize their lineup.
The Knicks are particularly interested in assessing Morris's versatility, Shamet’s shooting prowess, and Okeke’s potential for growth. Each player brings unique attributes to the team, making the Knicks' decision-making process both exciting and challenging.
By integrating a mix of veteran leadership and youthful promise, the Knicks aim to build a balanced and competitive roster. The upcoming season promises to be an intriguing one for Knicks fans as the team looks to capitalize on its new acquisitions.