The New York Knicks have made notable additions to their roster by signing veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharp-shooter Landry Shamet, both on Exhibit 9 contracts. These moves come as part of the Knicks' ongoing efforts to enhance their team ahead of the new NBA season.
Marcus Morris Returns
Marcus Morris is no stranger to the Knicks or the NBA. With 13 years of league experience under his belt, Morris has proven to be a seasoned professional, having represented eight different teams throughout his career. Morris had a previous stint with the Knicks during the 2019-20 season, which ended when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline. His most recent tenure was with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he finished the past season.
As a player entering his age-35 season, Morris continues to demonstrate his valuable skill set, particularly his shooting ability. Over his career, he has maintained a solid three-point shooting percentage of 37.7%. Impressively, last season he shot just above 40% from long range, showcasing his enduring ability to stretch the floor and provide critical scoring from beyond the arc.
Landry Shamet Joins the Knicks
Accompanying Morris on the revamped Knicks roster is Landry Shamet, who also signed an Exhibit 9 contract. Shamet is known for his precision shooting, a skill that is highly sought after in today's NBA. The Knicks, clearly looking to solidify their outside shooting, hope Shamet will be a key contributor in this area. His ability to knock down shots from distance will be crucial for the team's offensive strategy moving forward.
Competition for Roster Spots
However, the additions of Morris and Shamet are not the only changes the Knicks have made. Chuma Okeke, a former first-round pick of the Orlando Magic, has also joined the squad on a non-guaranteed deal. During the Knicks' training camp, Morris, Shamet, and Okeke are all competing for coveted roster spots.
The Knicks organization is rigorously assessing the versatility, shooting accuracy, and potential of these players. Morris’s extensive experience and three-point capability, Shamet's precision from beyond the arc, and Okeke’s youthful potential are all under the microscope as the team evaluates their final roster configuration.
A Known Quantity
For the Knicks, the competition is not just about stats, but also about reliability. As the team considers its options, the sentiment within the organization is clear: "We want a known quantity as our 15th man." This statement underscores the importance of having a dependable and consistent presence to round out the team, ensuring stability in the final roster slot.
As the Knicks' training camp progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how these new additions perform. The battle for roster spots promises to be intense, with each player bringing unique attributes to the table. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the Knicks' lineup and potentially influence their performance in the upcoming season.
Overall, the Knicks' recent signings reflect a strategic approach to bolster their squad with a balance of experience, shooting precision, and emerging talent. Whether these additions will translate to success on the court remains to be seen, but the anticipation and excitement surrounding these moves are palpable.