The New York Knicks have made waves in the offseason by bolstering their roster with the addition of veteran sharpshooter Landry Shamet. Shamet, a seasoned shooting guard with a career three-point success rate of 38.4%, has signed a one-year deal with the Knicks. This acquisition marks Shamet’s sixth team in eight seasons, a testament to his journeyman status in the NBA.
Shamet entered the league as a first-round pick for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, only to be traded mid-way through his rookie year to the Los Angeles Clippers. His mobility across teams underscores a career characterized by adaptability and reliability from beyond the arc. However, last season, his efficiency dipped slightly as he posted a 33.8% three-point shooting rate over 46 games with the Washington Wizards.
Three-Point Shooting Emphasis
The Knicks' strategic focus on three-point shooting becomes evident when examining their performance and recent transactions. Last season, New York ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. These figures indicate a solid, yet not elite, standing in long-range shooting proficiency. Key contributors to this statistic were Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who collectively accounted for 42% of the team's three-point attempts.
Julius Randle also played a significant role, averaging more than five three-point shots per game, albeit with a less impressive success rate of 31.1%. The addition of Shamet could potentially balance the scaling of attempts with a more consistent shooting percentage, providing the Knicks with a reliable option from the perimeter.
Further Roster Enhancements
The Knicks have not limited their improvements to Shamet alone. Earlier this summer, they acquired Mikal Bridges, a player known for his defensive prowess and a commendable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Bridges' well-rounded play style aligns well with the Knicks' intent to bolster their depth and shooting efficiency.
Additionally, the signing of backup point guard Cameron Payne adds another layer to the team's strategy. Payne, who boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%, will likely provide key minutes off the bench, ensuring that the Knicks have a capable floor-spacer in various lineup configurations.
Looking Forward
As the Knicks court the upcoming season, the integration of these new players will be a focal point. Shamet’s presence offers an immediate solution to bolster the team’s three-point shooting, a critical aspect in today’s NBA. His career average from beyond the arc suggests that last season's dip might have been an anomaly rather than a trend.
Overall, the Knicks’ moves this offseason reflect a clear strategy: enhance shooting depth and maintain versatility. With Landry Shamet, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Payne, the Knicks have certainly fortified their roster, creating a promising outlook for the season ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how these new additions blend with the existing core and elevate the team’s performance in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.