Knicks Bolster Roster: Landry Shamet Joins the Squad
The New York Knicks have made a notable addition to their roster, securing a one-year deal with veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet. The signing marks Shamet's sixth team in eight seasons, illustrating both his value as a solid contributor and the volatile nature of NBA rosters.
Shamet, originally drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, showed promise early in his career. His potential did not go unnoticed, leading to a mid-season trade to the Los Angeles Clippers during his rookie year. Since then, the shooting guard has become known for his reliable three-point shooting, a skill highly sought after in today's game.
After moving through multiple teams, Shamet has accumulated a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%. However, last season with the Washington Wizards, Shamet saw a dip in his statistics, posting a 33.8% conversion rate from beyond the arc over 46 games. Despite the decline, the Knicks are undoubtedly banking on his past performance and veteran presence to bolster their perimeter attack.
Knicks' Three-Point Strategy
The Knicks' interest in Shamet aligns with their strategic focus on improving their three-point shooting. Last season, New York ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game at 35.8, while finishing 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. The addition of a proven shooter like Shamet could help elevate these numbers.
Key players like Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were integral to the Knicks' long-range game last season, accounting for 42% of the team's three-point attempts. However, the team still has room for improvement. Forward Julius Randle, while contributing to the offensive load with over five three-point shots per game, managed only a 31.1% success rate.
New Additions and Acquisitions
The acquisition of Shamet is just one part of the Knicks' broader strategy. Earlier in the summer, New York also secured Mikal Bridges, another accomplished shooter. Bridges, who has a career three-point percentage of 37.5%, brings additional firepower to the Knicks' lineup. His consistency from beyond the arc and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset in multiple facets of the game.
Complementing these moves, the Knicks also fortified their backcourt by signing backup point guard Cameron Payne. Known for his steady hand and dependable shooting, Payne boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%. His presence ensures that the Knicks have depth at the point guard position, allowing for more flexibility in rotations and game plans.
As the Knicks assemble their roster for the upcoming season, these strategic moves point to a clear objective: enhancing their perimeter shooting while adding experienced players who can contribute both on and off the court. Landry Shamet's addition is a testament to the Knicks' commitment to evolving their game and competing at a higher level.