The New York Knicks are making strategic moves as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Recent signings include veteran forward Marcus Morris and sharpshooter Landry Shamet, both of whom join the team on Exhibit 9 contracts. This indicates the Knicks are using training camp to assess their options and finalize their roster.
Marcus Morris: A Familiar Face with Vast Experience
Marcus Morris brings a wealth of experience back to Madison Square Garden. Having been in the NBA for 13 years, Morris has donned the jerseys of eight different teams throughout his career. Notably, he has played for the Knicks before, during the 2019-20 season, before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline.
Last season, Morris concluded his campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, adding another chapter to his extensive career. Now in his age-35 season, Morris will be relied upon for his versatility and veteran presence. His career shooting percentage from beyond the arc stands at an impressive 37.7%, demonstrating his ability as a consistent perimeter threat. Interestingly, he shot just above 40% from three-point range last season, underscoring his maintained effectiveness from deep.
Landry Shamet: Precision and Potential
Landry Shamet, known for his precise shooting, also joins the Knicks on an Exhibit 9 contract. The team’s current strategy clearly emphasizes solidifying their outside shooting, and Shamet's skill set aligns perfectly with this goal. With Shamet on the roster, the Knicks are looking to add another reliable long-range shooter to their rotation.
Adding Youthful Energy: Chuma Okeke
In addition to Morris and Shamet, Chuma Okeke has been brought into the fold on a non-guaranteed deal. Okeke, a first-round pick by the Orlando Magic, adds youthful potential to the mix. At this stage, all three players—Morris, Shamet, and Okeke—are competing for coveted roster spots during the Knicks' training camp.
Evaluating the Mix: Experience, Shooting, and Potential
The Knicks are in a critical evaluation phase, where Morris's versatility, Shamet's precision shooting, and Okeke's burgeoning talent are being closely assessed. Each of these players offers different attributes that could be valuable to the team’s success. The Knicks' front office is clearly placing a premium on a “known quantity” for their 15th man, emphasizing the importance of experience and reliability in their final roster decisions.
As the training camp progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these players integrate with the existing squad and who ultimately secures a spot on the final roster. The Knicks' approach seems focused on blending veteran savvy with youthful exuberance, aiming to create a balanced and competitive team poised for the challenges of the new season.