The New York Knicks have made a strategic move by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This acquisition marks Shamet’s sixth team in his eight-season NBA career, highlighting both his journey through the league and the Knicks' intent to bolster their perimeter shooting.
Shamet's Journey Through the NBA
Shamet entered the NBA as the 26th overall pick in the 2018 draft, selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he didn’t finish his rookie season in Philadelphia. Midway through that first year, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, initiating what has been a series of moves across various teams.
Over his career, Shamet has demonstrated proficiency from beyond the arc, boasting a commendable 38.4% success rate. However, his performance last season with the Washington Wizards saw a dip, with him hitting only 33.8% from three-point range across 46 games. The Knicks are likely betting on a return to form for the sharpshooter, hoping he can revert to his career averages and bring additional firepower to their offense.
Knicks' Three-Point Strategy
The emphasis on adding Shamet aligns with the Knicks' existing approach to perimeter offense. Last season, the team ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. These statistics underscore a team philosophy that values the long-range shot as a significant part of their scoring strategy.
Key to this strategy have been players like Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who accounted for a substantial 42% of the Knicks' three-point attempts last season. The Knicks are clearly intent on supporting their existing sharpshooters with additional reliable options from deep.
New Acquisitions and Shooting Depth
In addition to Shamet, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges earlier this summer. Bridges brings with him a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, adding another consistent long-range threat to the roster. This move indicates the Knicks' continued focus on enhancing their perimeter options.
The team also signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who offers a solid career three-point mark of 36.9%. Combined with Shamet and Bridges, these moves reflect a deliberate strategy to deepen the squad's ability to stretch defenses and capitalize on three-point opportunities.
Looking Toward the Season
Last season, Julius Randle was another significant contributor from beyond the arc, averaging over five three-point attempts per game, albeit with a lower success rate of 31.1%. The Knicks will hope that by spreading the load among more sharpshooters, they can enable Randle to focus on his overall game without the pressure of carrying the bulk of the three-point shooting responsibility.
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of these new acquisitions will be crucial in defining their offensive rhythm. The mix of veteran experience from players like Shamet and Payne, alongside the steady hand of Bridges, could well position the Knicks to be more potent from the perimeter.
Ultimately, the success of these signings will be measured by how seamlessly they can gel with the existing squad and translate their shooting prowess into game-winning performances. Knicks fans will be eagerly anticipating a rejuvenated offensive strategy, underpinned by a fortified perimeter attack.