The New York Knicks have made a strategic move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This acquisition comes as a part of their broader strategy to bolster their three-point shooting capabilities, a crucial aspect of modern basketball.
Shamet's Journey in the NBA
Landry Shamet began his NBA journey as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. He quickly demonstrated his sharpshooting skills but found himself traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through his rookie season. Since then, Shamet has journeyed across the league, making stops at several teams. With this recent signing, the Knicks will be Shamet’s sixth team in eight seasons—a testament to his adaptability and the persistent demand for his shooting prowess.
A Closer Look at Shamet's Performance
Throughout his career, Shamet has maintained an impressive 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc. His ability to consistently hit long-range shots positions him as a valuable asset for the Knicks. Last season, playing with the Washington Wizards, Shamet posted a slightly lower but still respectable 33.8% from three-point range over the course of 46 games. His addition to the Knicks' roster could provide the team with the extra firepower needed from the perimeter.
Knicks’ Long-Range Strategy
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and held the 14th position for three-point percentage at 36.9%. With Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson accounting for 42% of the team's long-range attempts, adding Shamet to the mix could be a significant upgrade for the team. Moreover, Julius Randle, who made 31.1% of his three-point attempts while averaging more than five attempts per game last season, will benefit from the additional spacing and opportunities created by Shamet’s presence.
Key Acquisitions: Building a Perimeter Threat
In addition to Shamet, the Knicks have made other noteworthy moves this summer. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges, known for his defense and three-point shooting, is particularly notable. Bridges has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, adding another layer of efficiency to the Knicks' perimeter game. Not to be overlooked, the signing of backup point guard Cameron Payne further strengthens the team’s depth. Payne boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%, providing reliable shooting off the bench.
The Knicks’ recent moves indicate a clear strategy: to become a formidable threat from beyond the arc. With these acquisitions, Head Coach Tom Thibodeau will have more options to mix and match lineups that can stretch the floor and keep defenses honest. This could result in more space for playmakers like Brunson and Randle to operate, potentially leading to a more dynamic and explosive offense.
As the Knicks gear up for the upcoming season, the addition of proven shooters like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne could be the key to improving their standing in the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Each player's track record suggests that the Knicks have enhanced their ability to score from distance, making them a team to watch in the 2023-2024 NBA season.