In a strategic move, the New York Knicks have acquired veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet on a one-year contract. This signing marks Shamet's sixth team in what will be his eighth NBA season. Originally drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, Shamet has also had stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and most recently, the Washington Wizards.
Shamet’s Three-Point Proficiency
A key aspect of Shamet's game is his prowess from beyond the arc. Over his career, he has maintained an impressive 38.4% success rate from three-point range. Last season with the Wizards, however, he saw a dip, hitting 33.8% from deep over 46 games. Despite the decline, Shamet’s resume suggests he could be a valuable shooter off the bench for the Knicks.
The Knicks themselves were middle-of-the-pack in three-point shooting last season, ranking 13th in the league with 35.8 attempts per game and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. With the addition of Shamet, alongside other recent signings, the team is clearly placing an emphasis on improving their long-distance shooting capabilities for the upcoming season.
New Backcourt Depth
In addition to Shamet, the Knicks have also brought in backup point guard Cameron Payne. Payne, who has a career three-point shooting percentage of 36.9%, joins a backcourt rotation that includes Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson. Last season, DiVincenzo and Brunson were responsible for 42% of the Knicks' three-point attempts, underscoring the team's reliance on guard-driven perimeter shooting.
Julius Randle, a cornerstone of the Knicks’ offense, also contributed significantly from beyond the arc last season. He attempted more than five three-pointers per game but converted at a lower clip, making just 31.1% of his shots from distance. The additions of Shamet and Payne will aim to alleviate some of the long-range shooting pressure from Randle and provide the Knicks with more offensive versatility.
Summer Acquisitions Bolster the Roster
The Knicks' front office has been active this summer, not just with the additions of Shamet and Payne, but also with the acquisition of Mikal Bridges. Bridges, who has a career 37.5% three-point shooting percentage, brings another reliable option from long range and solid defensive prowess. With these moves, the Knicks are showcasing a clear strategy: improve their perimeter shooting and depth as they prepare for the new season.
While Shamet's recent shooting numbers raise some concerns, his career statistics and experience in various offensive systems suggest he can be a solid contributor. The Knicks are banking on his ability to bounce back and provide a veteran presence in the locker room.
As training camp approaches, the competition for minutes in the Knicks’ rotation will be one to watch. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team looks to build on their previous season and make a deeper push in the playoffs.
Overall, the Knicks’ recent activity in the free-agent market is a testament to their commitment to surrounding their core players with the right pieces. The 2023-2024 season could be pivotal for New York, and the additions of Shamet, Payne, and Bridges are steps towards strengthening their bid for a competitive run.