The New York Knicks have made a notable addition to their roster, securing a one-year agreement with veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet. This signing marks Shamet’s sixth team in his eight-year NBA career. Drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, Shamet was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through his rookie season.
Shamet is a skilled marksman with a career 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc. However, his recent performance shows a slight dip, as he posted a 33.8% three-point shooting rate over 46 games with the Washington Wizards last season. The Knicks will be hoping that a change of scenery can help Shamet return to his previous form and contribute to their perimeter offense.
Last season, the Knicks ranked 13th in the league in three-point attempts per game, averaging 35.8. Despite this high volume, the team's efficiency from long range left room for improvement, as they were only 14th in the league with a 36.9% three-point shooting percentage. The addition of Shamet, along with his historical shooting prowess, could help them climb higher in these rankings.
Moreover, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were notable contributors to the Knicks’ three-point attempts last season, accounting for 42% of their long-range shots. Julius Randle, another key figure in the team's offensive scheme, made 31.1% of his three-point attempts, averaging more than five three-point shots per game. The integration of Shamet could help diversify the Knicks' scoring options and alleviate some pressure off their main shooters.
The Knicks have been proactive this offseason. In addition to Shamet, they acquired Mikal Bridges earlier in the summer. Bridges comes with a commendable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, providing yet another reliable option from deep. This strategic acquisition further emphasizes the Knicks’ commitment to enhancing their perimeter game.
Complementing these moves, the Knicks also signed backup point guard Cameron Payne, who boasts a 36.9% career three-point mark. These new additions of Shamet, Bridges, and Payne indicate a clear focus on bolstering the team’s shooting capabilities and overall depth.
The coming season promises to be compelling as the Knicks aim to make a deeper impact in the highly competitive Eastern Conference. With their new roster additions, it's evident the team is making deliberate moves to improve their offensive metrics, especially from beyond the arc. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes translate on the court.