The New York Knicks have made strategic moves this off-season, the latest of which is signing veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. This acquisition demonstrates the Knicks' commitment to enhancing their perimeter shooting capabilities, a crucial aspect of modern NBA play.
Landry Shamet’s Journey
Shamet’s professional career began when he was drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2018. However, his initial stint with the 76ers was cut short as he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through his rookie season. Over the years, Shamet has become something of an NBA journeyman, with the Knicks marking his sixth team in eight seasons. Despite the frequent team changes, Shamet has maintained a respectable career three-point shooting percentage of 38.4%, a skill set that the Knicks undoubtedly find appealing.
Last season, Shamet suited up for the Washington Wizards, where he posted a 33.8% success rate from three-point range over 46 games. Those numbers are slightly below his career average, but the Knicks are betting on Shamet’s potential to bounce back. Shamet's blend of experience and shooting prowess could be the very ingredient the Knicks need to bolster their offense.
Knicks' Perimeter Shooting Strategy
The Knicks’ focus on three-point shooting is evident when examining their statistics from last season. They ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. While those numbers are respectable, there’s clearly room for improvement, and the acquisition of Shamet is a step in that direction.
The team’s reliance on perimeter shooting was largely shouldered by Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who accounted for 42% of the Knicks' long-range attempts last season. Additionally, Julius Randle, although primarily known for his versatility in scoring, made 31.1% of his three-point attempts, averaging more than five attempts per game. The Knicks are clearly attempting to diversify and deepen their shooting options by adding players with proven shooting records.
New Faces, New Opportunities
The Knicks have not limited their off-season activity to Shamet alone. Earlier this summer, they acquired Mikal Bridges, another skilled shooter with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Bridges’ addition gives an extra dimension to the team’s shooting depth, potentially creating more space and opportunities for perimeter shots.
Moreover, the Knicks have signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who brings with him a solid career three-point mark of 36.9%. Payne’s presence will likely spell more efficient ball distribution, making it easier for the Knicks to generate open three-point looks.
A Calculated Bet on Chemistry
It’s clear that the Knicks are making calculated bets on a mix of veteran experience and promising talent to elevate their performance this coming season. Shamet, Bridges, and Payne join a Knicks roster hungry for deeper playoff runs and greater consistency. The varied shooting skills of these new additions could mesh well with the established core of Brunson, Randle, and DiVincenzo, opening up new tactical options for head coach Tom Thibodeau.
The question now is how quickly these new parts can gel as a cohesive unit. While the individual shooting percentages are promising, basketball is a team sport that thrives on synergy and collective effort. The Knicks’ coaching staff will need to integrate these new assets effectively to see tangible improvements on the court.
In conclusion, the New York Knicks are taking tangible steps to improve their three-point shooting, a critical area in today’s NBA. By signing Landry Shamet and adding other sharpshooters like Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne, they are building a team with the potential to climb higher in the competitive Eastern Conference. It will be fascinating to see how these moves play out as the season progresses.