The New York Knicks have made a strategic move by acquiring veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet on a one-year deal. This acquisition highlights the team's ongoing efforts to bolster their three-point shooting capabilities.
A Career Marked by Movement and Precision
Landry Shamet, drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, has accumulatively played for six different teams over the span of his eight-season career. Shortly after being drafted, Shamet was traded mid-way through his rookie season to the Los Angeles Clippers. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess from beyond the arc, maintaining a commendable career average of 38.4% from three-point range.
Recent Performance and Team Fit
Last season saw Shamet posting a three-point shooting percentage of 33.8% over 46 games with the Washington Wizards. Despite this dip in accuracy, the Knicks' decision to bring him on board suggests a belief in his ability to reclaim his previous form or even surpass it.
The Knicks, who ranked 13th in the league for three-point attempts per game (35.8) and 14th in three-point percentage (36.9%) last season, seem poised to benefit from Shamet’s shooting skills. The addition of Shamet could provide the Knicks with a needed spark and greater consistency from long range. Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo, who collectively accounted for 42% of the Knicks' three-point attempts last season, will now share the perimeter with another proven shooter.
Enhancing the Perimeter Game
The Knicks' offseason moves have shown a clear strategy aimed at strengthening their perimeter game. By acquiring Mikal Bridges earlier this summer, they added another reliable option. Bridges boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, further enriching the team's shooting arsenal. Complementing this is the signing of Cameron Payne as a backup point guard. Payne's career average of 36.9% from beyond the arc adds depth to the team’s bench.
Addressing the multi-faceted nature of their strategy, the Knicks also have power forward Julius Randle, who attempted more than five three-pointers per game last season, albeit with a 31.1% success rate. The team clearly understands the importance of stretching the floor and creating space, and the mix of experienced and newly acquired shooters seems designed to achieve this goal.
Strategic Implications
The Knicks' latest moves underline their commitment to solidifying their position as a competitive team in the league. With a reinforced perimeter that includes the likes of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne, they are likely to see an uptick in their three-point shooting efficiency. The challenge now lies in integrating these pieces to ensure a cohesive and productive offensive strategy.
Shamet’s addition is reflective of this larger vision. At a career average of 38.4% from three-point territory, his historical performance suggests that he can provide the consistency needed to elevate the Knicks' shooting profile. The coaching staff and management will undoubtedly be focused on creating the right conditions for these players to thrive and contribute to the team's objectives.
In summary, the New York Knicks’ signing of Landry Shamet, alongside their other strategic acquisitions, highlights a concerted effort to improve their shooting dynamics. As the season unfolds, it will be crucial to see how these changes translate into on-court performance and whether the Knicks can climb the ranks in one of the most fiercely competitive divisions in the NBA.