The New York Knicks have bolstered their backcourt by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. A former first-round pick from the 2018 NBA Draft, Shamet started his professional journey with the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded mid-way through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers. This signing marks Shamet’s sixth team in eight seasons, highlighting a career characterized by transitions.
An Unwavering Threat from Beyond the Arc
Shamet has built a reputation as a reliable three-point shooter, maintaining a commendable career success rate of 38.4% from beyond the arc. Last season, while donning the Washington Wizards jersey, he posted a 33.8% success rate from three-point range over 46 games. Although a slight dip from his career average, Shamet's shooting prowess remains an asset.
Knicks' Three-Point Dynamics
The Knicks' decision to bring Shamet on board aligns with their ongoing strategy to enhance their long-range shooting capabilities. The team ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and held the 14th spot in three-point percentage at 36.9% last season. Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were instrumental in this aspect, accounting for 42% of the team's long-range attempts.
For a team eager to climb the ranks in perimeter shooting, adding a seasoned shooter like Shamet could be a significant step forward. Julius Randle, a key player for the Knicks, averaged more than five three-point shots per game, making 31.1% of those attempts last season. Randle's role as a high-volume shooter underscores the importance of spreading the floor with more consistent three-point threats.
Complementing Recent Acquisitions
The arrival of Landry Shamet follows other strategic moves by the Knicks in their quest for a more efficient offensive unit. Earlier this summer, the team acquired Mikal Bridges, a player with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, further emphasizing their commitment to perimeter efficiency. Additionally, signing backup point guard Cameron Payne, who boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%, showcases the front office's clear intent to stack the roster with reliable shooters.
The Bigger Picture
The Knicks' emphasis on enhancing their long-range options suggests a broader strategy aimed at modernizing their offensive playstyle. In today’s NBA, where three-point shooting plays a pivotal role, assembling a roster full of legitimate deep threats is crucial. The integration of Shamet, alongside the acquisitions of Bridges and Payne, marks a deliberate effort by the Knicks to not only keep pace but potentially outshoot the competition.
Shamet's versatility and experience across multiple franchises could also bring an invaluable depth of knowledge to the Knicks' locker room. His journey through the league, from the 76ers to the Clippers, and then through subsequent stops, has equipped him with a diverse understanding of various playing styles and systems.
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Landry Shamet could provide the much-needed consistency and spacing from the three-point line. The veteran sharpshooter’s ability to catch fire from beyond the arc offers the Knicks more offensive flexibility and potency. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how these new roster dynamics play out on the court.