The New York Knicks have made strategic moves to bolster their roster by signing veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharpshooter Landry Shamet, both on Exhibit 9 contracts. The addition of these players, coupled with the acquisition of Chuma Okeke on a non-guaranteed deal, highlights the team’s focus on enhancing their outside shooting and overall versatility.
Return of Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris, a seasoned forward with 13 years of NBA experience, returns to the Knicks with a wealth of professional experience, having represented eight different teams over his career. Notably, Morris played for the Knicks during the 2019-20 season before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline. Last season, Morris concluded his campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he continued to demonstrate his value on the court.
At 35 years old, Morris brings both experience and reliability, boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.7%. Remarkably, he shot just above 40% from long range last season, underscoring his continued ability to contribute significantly from beyond the arc.
Sharpshooting Addition: Landry Shamet
Joining Morris in New York is Landry Shamet, another key signing on an Exhibit 9 contract. Known for his precision shooting, Shamet's inclusion aims to shore up the Knicks' perimeter game, an area the team has been looking to solidify. As the Knicks prepare for the forthcoming season, Shamet’s shooting acumen will be closely observed during training camp.
Competing for Roster Spots
The Knicks' training camp will be a battleground for roster spots, with Morris, Shamet, and Okeke all vying to make the final cut. Okeke, a former first-round pick by the Orlando Magic, brings youthful potential and versatility, adding another dynamic to the competition. The Knicks are meticulously assessing Morris’s versatility, Shamet’s pinpoint accuracy, and Okeke’s potential to determine the most fitting composition for their squad.
With the team’s sentiment being, "We want a known quantity as our 15th man," the emphasis is on selecting players who can reliably contribute and align with the team’s strategic goals. The evaluation process will be rigorous, as each player must demonstrate their value and fit within the system deployed by the coaching staff.
The strategic acquisitions of Marcus Morris and Landry Shamet, along with the potential of Chuma Okeke, represent the Knicks' commitment to optimizing their roster and making calculated moves to strengthen their team's performance for the upcoming NBA season.