The New York Knicks have once again made waves in the offseason, securing the services of veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet on a one-year deal. Known for his sharpshooting capabilities, Shamet enters his sixth NBA team in eight seasons, further underscoring the journeyman nature of his professional career.
Shamet was initially brought into the league as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. Midway through his rookie season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, beginning a series of moves that have now landed him in New York. Over the course of his career, Shamet has maintained an impressive 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc, a testament to his consistent shooting prowess.
Last season, Shamet played 46 games with the Washington Wizards, managing a three-point percentage of 33.8%. While this figure was below his career average, the Knicks are betting on Shamet’s ability to return to form and provide a much-needed boost to their perimeter game.
Three-Point Shooting: A Crucial Focus
The Knicks’ focus on upgrading their three-point shooting is evident. Last season, the team ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8, and 14th in three-point percentage at 36.9%. These rankings reveal a team that is committed to stretching the floor but has room for improvement in terms of efficiency.
Indeed, the addition of Shamet fits well within this broader strategy. Alongside recent acquisitions such as Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne, the Knicks have clearly prioritized enhancing their shooting depth. Bridges, who was acquired earlier this summer, brings his career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5% to the roster. Meanwhile, Payne, signed as a backup point guard, boasts a solid career mark of 36.9% from downtown.
Core Players and Their Impact
Integral to understanding the Knicks' tactical approach are the contributions from their core players. Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson accounted for an astonishing 42% of the Knicks' three-point attempts last season, illustrating their pivotal roles in the team's offensive scheme. Julius Randle, on the other hand, attempted more than five three-point shots per game but converted at a rate of just 31.1%.
With these statistics in mind, the Knicks’ recent roster moves appear highly strategic. The team’s front office is evidently seeking to surround their key players with additional shooting threats, thus relieving pressure and potentially improving overall team efficiency.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks gear up for the forthcoming season, the integration of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne will be under close scrutiny. The team’s ability to improve its three-point shooting efficiency could hinge on these new additions finding their rhythm and complementing the existing core.
In conclusion, the Knicks' acquisition of Landry Shamet is a calculated gamble aimed at bolstering their perimeter shooting. With several key signings, the team is clearly reinforcing its commitment to creating a balanced and potent offensive attack. Knicks fans will be eager to see if these strategic moves translate into on-court success.