Potara The New York Knicks, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, continue to build towards success under the leadership of head coach Tom Thibodeau and their talented roster of both young prospects and seasoned veterans. One name that has surfaced as a potential addition to the squad is Landry Shamet, a sharp-shooting guard who could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s backcourt depth and offensive versatility. While not yet a Knick, Shamet's presence could be a game-changer in how the team approaches its spacing, offensive flow, and overall competitiveness in the challenging Eastern Conference.
The Knicks’ Current Backcourt Situation
At present, the Knicks' backcourt is a mix of young talent, veterans, and developmental projects. Jalen Brunson, who had a breakout year with the Dallas Mavericks before signing a lucrative deal with the Knicks, has quickly emerged as the team’s primary playmaker. Alongside him, the Knicks have players like RJ Barrett, a versatile wing who can also handle the ball, and Immanuel Quickley, a dynamic scorer and energetic defender off the bench.
Despite this promising lineup, the team’s three-point shooting has been a consistent area of concern. While Brunson and Quickley have shown flashes of perimeter proficiency, neither is a pure shooter in the mold of the league’s top marksmen. This is where a player like Shamet could make a significant impact.
Landry Shamet: A Snapshot
Landry Shamet, a 6-foot-4 guard, has established himself as one of the NBA’s better three-point shooters since being drafted in 2018. With a career three-point shooting percentage hovering around 39%, Shamet has played for several playoff-caliber teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and most recently, the Phoenix Suns.
Shamet’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from deep makes him an attractive asset for any team, but especially for the Knicks, who are looking to improve their floor spacing. His career trajectory has been marked by his proficiency as a catch-and-shoot specialist, though he has also demonstrated the ability to create his own shot when needed.
Beyond his shooting, Shamet is known for his basketball IQ and ability to fit seamlessly into different offensive systems. His movement off the ball and willingness to make the extra pass make him a valuable piece in any backcourt rotation. For a Knicks team that sometimes struggles with ball movement, Shamet could provide the type of off-ball activity and shooting that opens up driving lanes for Brunson and Barrett.
The Fit: Why Shamet Could Thrive in New York
There are several reasons why Shamet could fit well with the Knicks. First, his skill set perfectly complements the team’s current roster construction. With Brunson handling the ball and initiating the offense, and Barrett often serving as a secondary playmaker, Shamet could slot into a role as a floor-spacing shooter who benefits from the attention drawn by the Knicks’ primary creators.
Shamet’s presence would allow the Knicks to run more effective drive-and-kick sets, where Brunson or Barrett penetrate the defense and dish out to open shooters. The team ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting during the previous season, and adding a proven sniper like Shamet could drastically change that dynamic.
Moreover, Thibodeau’s defensive system requires guards who are capable of holding their own on the perimeter, and while Shamet is not known as a lockdown defender, he has shown a willingness to compete on the defensive end. His size and length allow him to guard both backcourt positions, and his team-first mentality aligns with the Knicks’ emphasis on effort and toughness.
What Landry Shamet Brings That the Knicks Lack
The Knicks have had their fair share of struggles when it comes to offensive consistency, particularly from beyond the arc. In today’s NBA, three-point shooting is critical for maintaining offensive balance, and the Knicks have frequently found themselves lacking in this area. Adding Shamet would provide immediate relief, as his catch-and-shoot ability would stretch defenses and prevent opponents from clogging the paint.
Shamet’s arrival would also add a level of versatility to the Knicks' guard rotation. Currently, the team relies heavily on Quickley and Quentin Grimes to generate offense from the perimeter, but both players are still developing into consistent long-range threats. Shamet, with his established shooting credentials, would give the team a proven weapon who can light it up from deep, particularly in crunch time when every shot matters.
In addition to his shooting, Shamet’s experience in playoff settings cannot be overlooked. Having been part of deep postseason runs with multiple franchises, he brings a level of poise and composure that could be invaluable to a Knicks team looking to make a deeper playoff push. His ability to perform under pressure would be especially useful in New York, where expectations run high, and every game is scrutinized.
Potential Hurdles and Considerations
While the fit between Shamet and the Knicks appears promising, there are some considerations to bear in mind. First, Shamet’s injury history could be a concern. Over the past few seasons, he has missed stretches of games due to various ailments, which may raise questions about his durability over the long haul of an NBA season.
Furthermore, the Knicks would need to evaluate how they manage their existing backcourt rotation with the addition of Shamet. Players like Quickley, Grimes, and even veteran Derrick Rose are already competing for minutes, and the team would need to find the right balance to maximize each player’s contribution. Integrating Shamet into this mix without disrupting the development of younger players would require careful management from Thibodeau and his staff.
Lastly, there is the financial aspect to consider. Shamet is on a multi-year contract, and while he isn’t on a max deal, the Knicks would need to ensure that bringing him in aligns with their broader salary cap strategy. With future extensions looming for key players like Barrett and potentially Obi Toppin, the team must weigh the long-term financial implications of adding Shamet to the roster.
Landry Shamet would undoubtedly bring a much-needed dimension to the New York Knicks. His shooting, basketball IQ, and playoff experience could bolster the team’s chances of competing in the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. While there are some challenges to consider, including injury concerns and fitting him into the existing rotation, the potential rewards are significant. Shamet’s ability to stretch the floor and play within a team-first system makes him an ideal fit for a Knicks team looking to take the next step toward sustained success.
If the Knicks decide to make a move for Shamet, it could signal their intention to shore up one of the few remaining weaknesses on their roster: consistent three-point shooting. And with a player like Shamet in their ranks, the Knicks might just find themselves better equipped for the long journey back to contention.