The New York Knicks have added another piece to their roster by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This move comes as part of the team's strategy to bolster their three-point shooting capabilities for the upcoming season.
Shamet, who was drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has bounced around the league, with the Knicks marking his sixth team in eight seasons. Notably, he was traded halfway through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he began to carve out a niche as a reliable perimeter threat.
Throughout his career, Shamet has established himself as a competent shooter from beyond the arc, boasting a career success rate of 38.4%. Despite this, last season saw him dip to a 33.8% from three-point range over 46 games with the Washington Wizards.
Knicks' Shooting Metrics
The Knicks, who ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game last season at 35.8, have been actively working to refine their long-range shooting efficiency. They finished 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. With the addition of Shamet, the team hopes to climb higher in both categories.
Last season, much of the Knicks' three-point burden was shouldered by Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who collectively accounted for 42% of the team's long-range attempts. Power forward Julius Randle also played a significant role, attempting over five three-pointers per game but converting just 31.1% of those attempts.
Strategic Additions
The Knicks' front office has been busy this offseason, making strategic moves to address their shooting woes. Earlier in the summer, they acquired Mikal Bridges, a versatile wing with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Bridges is expected to be a crucial part of the Knicks' rotation, providing both defense and shooting from the wings.
Moreover, the Knicks have signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who has a career three-point mark of 36.9%. Payne is known for his ability to provide instant offense off the bench, and his presence will likely alleviate some of the ball-handling and scoring pressures from the starting unit.
Season Outlook
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the infusion of proven shooters like Shamet, Bridges, and Payne signals a clear intention to improve their perimeter game. Considering the league's increasing reliance on three-point shooting, these additions could prove pivotal in elevating the team’s overall performance.
Landry Shamet’s arrival provides head coach Tom Thibodeau with another flexible shooting option. Given Shamet’s experience and track record, he could seamlessly fit into the Knicks' rotation, whether as a starter or off the bench.
The upcoming season holds much promise for the Knicks as they aim to build on their improvements. With the introduction of key players and the enhancement of their shooting arsenal, the team's quest for greater consistency and success could very well be within reach.