The New York Knicks have made a notable addition to their roster by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. Shamet, a sharpshooter with a career 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc, brings a wealth of experience and a potent three-point shot to a Knicks team aiming to boost its perimeter game.
A Journey Through the NBA
Shamet was originally drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. His journey in the league has been anything but stationary. Mid-way through his rookie season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Since then, Shamet has played for several teams, making the Knicks his sixth team in eight seasons. Last season, he played 46 games with the Washington Wizards, posting a 33.8% success rate from three-point range.
Enhancing the Knicks' Perimeter Shooting
The Knicks have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their perimeter shooting. Last season, they ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. The addition of Shamet, alongside other key acquisitions, aims to elevate these stats and add depth to their rotation.
Notably, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were responsible for 42% of the Knicks' long-range attempts last season. This heavy reliance on a few players for three-point shooting underscored the need for additional threats from beyond the arc. Another significant player, Julius Randle, made 31.1% of his three-point attempts while averaging more than five three-point shots per game. The inclusion of Shamet could relieve some pressure from these primary shooters and offer more spacing on the floor.
Strategic Offseason Moves
Besides Shamet, the Knicks have been active in the offseason, making strategic moves to bolster their lineup. Earlier this summer, they acquired Mikal Bridges, a player with a solid 37.5% career three-point shooting percentage. The team also signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who has a career three-point mark of 36.9%. These moves reflect a clear strategy by the Knicks' front office to enhance their three-point shooting capabilities and add versatility to their backcourt.
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, Shamet’s signing indicates a calculated effort to build a team that can compete effectively from deep. His proven track record and ability to perform under different systems and coaches will be valuable assets for the Knicks as they strive to climb the standings and make a deeper playoff run.
Conclusion
The New York Knicks' acquisition of Landry Shamet, along with other key offseason moves, underscores the team's commitment to enhancing their perimeter shooting and overall depth. With Shamet's sharpshooting prowess and the additional firepower provided by Bridges and Payne, the Knicks have positioned themselves to be a formidable threat from beyond the arc in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these strategic additions impact the team's performance on the court.