The New York Knicks have made an intriguing addition to their roster by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. Shamet, a former first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has experienced a whirlwind career, now joining his sixth team in just eight NBA seasons.
A Career on the Move
Shamet's professional journey began with the 76ers but was quickly rerouted when he was traded mid-way through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers. His ability to adapt will be crucial as he integrates into the Knicks' system, especially given his track record of moving across various franchises. Despite the frequent relocations, Shamet has maintained a respectable career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%. Last season, however, he posted a slightly lower 33.8% from beyond the arc during his tenure with the Washington Wizards, playing 46 games.
Addressing Three-Point Shooting
The Knicks' decision to bring Shamet on board underscores their emphasis on bolstering their three-point shooting capabilities. Last season, the team ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game at 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. Clearly, there’s room for improvement, and Shamet’s career averages suggest he could be a valuable asset in this department.
Key contributors to the Knicks' three-point game last season were Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who collectively accounted for 42% of the team's long-range attempts. Additionally, forward Julius Randle averaged more than five three-point shots per game, converting at a rate of 31.1%. The addition of Shamet could help diversify the team’s perimeter threats and create more balanced scoring opportunities.
Complementary Acquisitions
Shamet isn’t the only new face expected to enhance the Knicks' shooting prowess. Earlier this summer, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, who brings a solid career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Alongside Bridges, the team also signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%. These strategic moves indicate a concerted effort by the Knicks to shore up their perimeter efficiency.
The acquisitions not only bolster the Knicks’ bench strength but also provide head coach Tom Thibodeau with more flexibility in his rotations. A shooting lineup featuring Shamet, Bridges, and Payne will offer a versatile mix of experience and reliability from the three-point line, something that may prove pivotal in critical game situations.
Outlook
The Knicks' offseason maneuvers illustrate their commitment to enhancing their offensive dynamics, particularly from beyond the arc. It remains to be seen how well Shamet will adapt to his new surroundings and what impact he will have over the course of the season. With improved three-point shooting, the Knicks aim to climb the ranks in the Eastern Conference and become a more formidable contender.
The integration of these new talents will be a storyline to watch as the season progresses. If Shamet can return to his career shooting form, and the other new additions contribute as expected, the Knicks could be in for an exciting and successful campaign. By focusing on enhancing their perimeter game, the team hopes to create more scoring opportunities and ultimately, achieve higher success rates in their offensive executions.