Knicks Sign Landry Shamet to One-Year Deal
In a move that underscores their commitment to bolstering perimeter shooting, the New York Knicks have officially signed veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year contract. Shamet, drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2018, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record from beyond the arc to the Knicks' roster.
Shamet's journey through the NBA has been nothing short of eventful. After being traded mid-way through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers, this upcoming season with the Knicks will mark his sixth team in eight seasons. Despite the constant changes in team jerseys, Shamet has maintained a solid career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%, a testament to his consistency and skill from long range.
Last season, Shamet donned the Washington Wizards uniform, where he posted a 33.8% success rate from three-point range over the course of 46 games. Although slightly below his career average, Shamet's performance from deep still presents a valuable asset to any team, particularly one like the Knicks that is looking to enhance its long-range capabilities.
Knicks' Three-Point Strategy
The Knicks have shown a keen interest in enhancing their three-point shooting efficiency. Last season, they ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8 shots from beyond the arc. They also held the 14th spot in terms of three-point percentage, with a respectable 36.9%. A significant portion of these attempts came from Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who collectively accounted for 42% of the Knicks' long-range shots last season.
Another key player in the Knicks' offensive strategy is Julius Randle, who averaged more than five three-point attempts per game, converting at a rate of 31.1%. While Randle's accuracy from deep leaves room for improvement, his volume of attempts highlights the team's reliance on perimeter shooting.
Recent Acquisitions
The acquisition of Landry Shamet is part of a broader strategy by the Knicks to reinforce their perimeter game. Earlier this summer, the team brought in Mikal Bridges, who boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Bridges' arrival adds another layer of depth and reliability to the team's shooting options. Additionally, the Knicks signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who has a career three-point mark of 36.9%, further solidifying their arsenal from beyond the arc.
With these strategic moves, the Knicks are clearly aiming to elevate their game by integrating experienced shooters who can help stretch the floor and create more scoring opportunities.
Outlook for the Season
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Landry Shamet, along with other key acquisitions, reflects their determination to enhance their perimeter threat. Shamet's experience and shooting prowess make him a valuable addition to a team looking to climb the ranks in both three-point attempts and percentage. Whether he can return to his career shooting form and how well he integrates into the Knicks' system will be crucial for the team’s success.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how these new additions impact the team's overall performance. If Shamet and his fellow newcomers can deliver as expected, the Knicks might just find themselves making significant strides in the highly competitive landscape of the NBA.