In a significant move this offseason, the New York Knicks have secured the services of veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet on a one-year deal, adding another sharpshooter to their roster. The addition of Shamet may herald a tactical shift as the Knicks look to bolster their long-range prowess.
Landry Shamet: A Seasoned Shooter
Landry Shamet comes to the Knicks with a reputable track record. Initially drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, Shamet quickly made an impact. However, his journey through the league has been far from static. Midway through his rookie season, Shamet was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Now heading into his eighth season, Shamet finds himself on his sixth NBA team. Despite the frequent changes in scenery, his shooting from beyond the arc has remained a constant, with a career average of 38.4% from three-point range.
Last season with the Washington Wizards, Shamet's performance saw a slight dip, posting a 33.8% success rate from three-point range over 46 games. Yet, his overall career statistic suggests that he can still be a consistent threat from the perimeter, a skill highly regarded in today’s three-point-centric game.
Knicks' Strategic Additions
The Knicks have been active this offseason, making several key signings to strengthen their roster. In addition to Shamet, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges earlier this summer, a player with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Adding Bridges, known for his versatility and shooting accuracy, suggests the Knicks are keen on balancing their defensive grit with offensive firepower.
Furthermore, veteran point guard Cameron Payne has also been brought into the fold. Known for his steady hand and shooting capabilities, Payne boasts a career three-point mark of 36.9%. These acquisitions indicate a clear intention from the Knicks' front office to enhance their perimeter shooting, likely aiming to improve their efficiency and volume from beyond the arc.
Analyzing the Knicks' Three-Point Dynamics
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 35.8 and were slightly better in percentage terms, ranking 14th with a 36.9% three-point shooting percentage. Despite these respectable rankings, there was certainly room for improvement, particularly in terms of spreading out scoring responsibility.
Much of the Knicks' three-point shooting last season was concentrated in the hands of Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson, who together accounted for 42% of the team's long-range attempts. While this strategy yielded middling success, diversifying the shooting threats across the roster could make the Knicks a more unpredictable and dynamic offensive unit.
A player like Julius Randle, who despite being a central figure in the Knicks' offensive schemes, made only 31.1% of his three-point attempts last season, averaging more than five shots from beyond the arc per game. The addition of reliable shooters like Shamet and Bridges could alleviate some pressure off players like Randle, allowing for better shot selection and improved offensive flow.
Building a Balanced Attack
In conclusion, the New York Knicks' offseason maneuvers suggest a concerted effort to build a more balanced attack. By bringing in experienced shooters like Landry Shamet and Mikal Bridges, alongside a reliable backup point guard in Cameron Payne, the Knicks are clearly focusing on enhancing their perimeter shooting. These signings should help distribute the scoring load more evenly, potentially making the Knicks a formidable threat from beyond the arc in the upcoming season.
With these strategic additions, the Knicks’ brass is signaling their intention to compete at a higher level, potentially aiming for a deeper playoff run. If the new acquisitions can gel well with the existing core, expect the Knicks to be a team to watch closely as the new season unfolds.