The New York Knicks have secured another weapon for their perimeter shooting arsenal by signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. Shamet, a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, brings substantial experience and a reliable long-range shot to the Knicks, who have shown a propensity for high-volume three-point attempts.
Shamet’s Journeyman Career
Landry Shamet's career has been marked by frequent relocations. After being traded midway through his rookie season from the 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers, Shamet has played for five other NBA teams, with the Knicks now marking his sixth team in just eight seasons. Despite the constant changes, Shamet has maintained a commendable 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc, demonstrating his consistency as a shooter.
Last season, Shamet played for the Washington Wizards, where he registered a 33.8% three-point shooting percentage over 46 games. While this figure slightly dipped from his career average, Shamet's overall performance adds depth to the Knicks' shooting capabilities.
Knicks' Three-Point Strategy
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8 shots from deep. They also stood 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%, indicating a balanced approach to volume and accuracy from long range. Notably, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson accounted for a significant 42% of the Knicks' three-point attempts last season, showcasing their reliance on proficient shooters.
Julius Randle, primarily known for his prowess inside the paint, also contributed significantly from beyond the arc. Randle made 31.1% of his three-point attempts while averaging more than five three-point attempts per game, reflecting his evolution into a more versatile scorer.
Complementary Acquisitions
The Knicks have been active in the off-season, not only adding Shamet but also acquiring Mikal Bridges and signing backup point guard Cameron Payne. Bridges brings a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5% to the team, further bolstering the Knicks' perimeter efficiency. Meanwhile, Payne, who boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%, offers valuable depth at the point guard position.
These moves indicate the Knicks' strategic focus on enhancing their three-point shooting capabilities. The addition of Shamet, alongside Bridges and Payne, positions the team to improve its standing in both three-point attempts and efficiency, addressing areas that could prove pivotal in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Outlook for the Season
As the Knicks integrate Shamet into their roster, his veteran experience and sharpshooting will be essential for their aspirations this season. His ability to stretch the floor and provide spacing could open up opportunities for Randle, Brunson, and DiVincenzo, creating a more dynamic offense. With the combined contributions of Bridges and Payne, the Knicks have assembled a cadre of shooters capable of impacting games from beyond the arc.
The Knicks' off-season acquisitions underline a deliberate strategy aimed at refining their offensive schemes and enhancing their long-range shooting efficiency. As the season progresses, the integration of these new pieces will be crucial in determining the team's success and ability to vie for a higher playoff seed in a competitive conference.
In summary, the Knicks' commitment to building a roster filled with proficient three-point shooters like Landry Shamet, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Payne speaks volumes about their game plan. With Shamet’s addition, the team aims to improve upon last season's 13th and 14th rankings in three-point attempts and percentage respectively, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.