The New York Knicks have been searching for help off the bench all season, and they may have found their answer.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Sunday that the team has agreed to sign veteran guard Landry Shamet to a veteran minimum contract. Shamet is expected to provide crucial bench minutes at both the guard and wing positions, which could pay off later in the season.
Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby are each logging upwards of 38 minutes a night. While effective in the short term, this workload has proven unsustainable for a full 82-game season and playoffs. Shamet provides the Knicks with a dependable option off the bench, ensuring their stars remain fresh and ready.
Experience Playing Alongside Stars
Beyond his postseason experience, Landry Shamet also knows how to fit in next to star players. Over his six-year NBA career, Landry has shared the court with All-NBA talent in Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.
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Shamet’s ability to fit in next to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will keep him on the floor in New York. Given his experience, he’s well-suited for this role.
Perimeter Threat
The Knicks have excelled from beyond the arc this season, ranking second in the league with a three-point shooting percentage near 40%. This efficiency has shown they can keep up with the historic pace of Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics offense.
Adding Shamet only reinforces this. Over his career, the 27-year-old has been a reliable three-point shooter, averaging nearly five attempts per game and converting 38% of them. His shooting ability makes him a valuable asset to the Knicks coming off the bench.
Familiar Faces: Chemistry with Bridges and Payne
Two key offseason moves for the Knicks — the acquisition of Mikal Bridges and the signing of Cam Payne — have already paid dividends. Payne and Bridges have experience playing together, having made a run to the NBA Finals in 2021 with the Phoenix Suns.
Shamet joined the Suns the following season, further developing their chemistry. When they were reunited with the Knicks, their chemistry and familiarity could significantly boost the team’s performance.
What to Expect from Shamet
Fans can expect to see Landry Shamet carve out a role in the Knicks tight rotation. This will allow Tom Thibodeau to manage the minutes of players like Bridges and Anunoby, preserving their health for the remainder of the season.
This is Shamet’s sixth team in seven years, but his adaptability and experience make him a valuable asset for the Knicks. His ability to provide depth and consistent shooting might be just what the Knicks need heading into the new year.
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