The New York Knicks have made a notable move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This decision is part of their continued effort to bolster their roster with experienced talent, especially in three-point shooting, an area where the team showed solid but improvable performance last season.
Shamet's journey in the NBA began in 2018 when he was selected as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, his time with the Sixers was brief, as he was traded mid-way through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers. Since then, Shamet has played for multiple teams, making this his sixth team in eight seasons—an unusual level of movement for a player with his skill set.
Throughout his career, Shamet has maintained a respectable 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc. However, his performance took a dip last season with the Washington Wizards, where he posted a 33.8% accuracy rate from three-point range over 46 games. His addition to the Knicks' roster brings both a veteran presence and the potential for rejuvenated performance.
Three-Point Shooting: A Strategic Focus
The Knicks have shown a clear intent to strengthen their three-point game. Last season, they ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts, averaging 35.8 per game. In terms of efficiency, they were 14th overall with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.9%. With Shamet's career stats, there is hope that he will add depth and reliability to their long-range shooting capabilities.
Furthermore, significant contributions came from Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who accounted for 42% of the Knicks' attempts from beyond the arc last season. Another key player, Julius Randle, although making 31.1% of his long-range shots, attempted more than five three-point shots per game, demonstrating the team's high volume of three-point attempts.
Reinforcements and Expectations
In addition to Shamet, the Knicks have made other strategic moves this off-season. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges earlier this summer stands out. Bridges, known for his defensive prowess and reliable shooting, has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. His presence is expected to not only bolster the defense but also provide an additional threat from the perimeter.
Moreover, the Knicks have added backup point guard Cameron Payne to their ranks. Payne, with a career three-point mark of 36.9%, will likely serve as a valuable asset in maintaining the team’s shooting efficiency from the bench.
A New-Look Roster Aiming for Playoff Success
The integration of these new players reflects the Knicks' strategic approach to the upcoming season. The combination of veterans like Shamet and Payne with the existing core, including Randle, Brunson, and the newly acquired Bridges, gives the Knicks a balanced mix of experience, skill, and strategic depth. These moves aim to elevate the team from a middle-of-the-pack three-point shooting squad to a top contender in this facet of the game.
Shamet's track record as a three-point specialist, despite recent struggles, suggests potential for a comeback season. His ability to spread the floor will be crucial for the Knicks’ offensive strategies, opening up lanes and creating spacing for playmakers like Brunson and Randle.
In summary, the Knicks' recent signings, highlighted by the addition of Landry Shamet, showcase a deliberate effort to enhance three-point shooting and overall team performance. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how these strategic acquisitions gel on the court and contribute to the Knicks' quest for deeper playoff runs and perhaps even championship contention.