The New York Knicks have made a significant move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. Shamet, who was drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has since showcased his talent across various NBA teams. This new agreement marks Shamet's sixth team in eight seasons, underlining his journey through the league.
Shamet's career trajectory has been a mix of sharp three-point shooting and team transitions. After being traded mid-way through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers, Shamet has had stints with several other teams. Despite the frequent changes, one constant in Shamet's game has been his proficiency from beyond the arc. He holds a career success rate of 38.4% from three-point range, a statistic that the Knicks are undoubtedly looking to leverage.
The New York Knicks' Three-Point Strategy
Last season, the Knicks were fairly consistent in their three-point attempts, ranking 13th in the league with an average of 35.8 attempts per game. They also placed 14th in three-point percentage, converting 36.9% of their shots from deep. Shamet's shooting prowess will be a welcomed addition as the Knicks aim to improve these statistics and boost their offensive capabilities.
Shamet's role becomes even more critical considering the contribution of players like Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who accounted for 42% of the Knicks' long-range attempts last season. The addition of Shamet provides the Knicks with another reliable shooter who can spread the floor and create more offensive options.
A Consistent Shooting Threat
While Shamet's career three-point shooting percentage sits at an impressive 38.4%, his performance last season dipped slightly. Over 46 games with the Washington Wizards, Shamet posted a 33.8% success rate from three-point range. The Knicks will be hoping for a return to his career average, providing a steady hand from beyond the arc.
Julius Randle, another key player for the Knicks, averaged more than five three-point attempts per game last season but made only 31.1% of those shots. The addition of another sharpshooter like Shamet could help alleviate some of the pressure on Randle and improve the team's overall efficiency.
Recent Acquisitions Bolstering the Squad
The Knicks have been active in the off-season, not only by signing Shamet but also by acquiring Mikal Bridges and backup point guard Cameron Payne. Bridges, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, adds another layer of reliability from long range. Cameron Payne, boasting a career three-point mark of 36.9%, offers valuable depth at the point guard position and further enhances the team's shooting capabilities.
These strategic moves indicate the Knicks' commitment to strengthening their roster through experienced players who can contribute immediately. As they look to climb the standings and make a deeper playoff run, the combined shooting skills of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne could play a pivotal role in their success.
Looking Forward
With the upcoming season, the Knicks are setting the stage for a more dynamic and versatile offensive approach. By integrating sharpshooters like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne into their lineup, they aim to improve their standing in the league's three-point statistics. Should these new acquisitions perform to their career averages, the Knicks could see a marked improvement in their offensive output.
The journey of Landry Shamet, moving through various teams and continuing to showcase his shooting talent, aligns perfectly with the Knicks' vision. This one-year deal presents an opportunity for Shamet to re-establish his three-point threat and contribute to a team striving for success. Knicks fans will be eager to see how these changes translate on the court as they rally behind their revamped roster.