The New York Knicks are welcoming back a familiar player to strengthen their bench.
Landry Shamet, a 27-year-old shooter, has signed a one-year deal with the team after recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in the preseason.
This signing comes at the right time, as the Knicks’ bench has had trouble staying consistent and scoring this season.
Shamet’s road to recovery wasn’t easy, but his hard work and talent gave him another chance with the team.
Here’s a closer look at his comeback and what it could mean for the Knicks going forward.
- After hurting his shoulder in the preseason, Shamet skipped surgery, worked hard for nine weeks, and played three G-League games to earn a spot back with the Knicks.
- Shamet brings needed outside shooting and experience to a Knicks bench that has struggled with scoring and playing time this season.
- Shamet’s past experience playing with Cameron Payne and Mikal Bridges adds good teamwork to the Knicks’ second unit, and his shooting fits perfectly with the team’s need for more three-point attempts.
Landry Shamet’s Return
Landry Shamet is officially back with the New York Knicks.
After suffering a dislocated shoulder in the preseason, the veteran sharpshooter re-signed with the team on a one-year deal.
And this came not much more than two months after he got hurt, which showed his determination to return.
He chose not to have surgery and instead worked hard through rehabilitation.
Thankfully, this choice has helped him get another chance with the Knicks.
The 27-year-old guard had originally joined the team on a non-guaranteed contract during training camp.
He impressed everyone by averaging 10.8 points in 22 minutes over four preseason games.
It seemed like he was ready to make the team’s roster, but the injury came on October 15 during a game against the Hornets.
The Knicks waived him after the injury, but they planned to bring him back when he was ready.
To keep him close, they selected him as the No. 2 pick in the G-League draft.
Shamet worked on his recovery while playing with the Westchester Knicks.
Working Hard to Get Back
Shamet decided not to have surgery, which would have kept him out for the whole season.
Instead, he went through a tough rehab process for nine weeks.
He played three games in the G-League, where he averaged 10.7 points while recovering.
His efforts convinced the Knicks to bring him back on a one-year deal.
To make space for Shamet, the team waived Matt Ryan, a player who had struggled with limited playing time.
Ryan played nine games, averaging only 1.7 points and shooting just 29%.
Even though he was waived, Ryan could still rejoin the team on a two-way contract.
Shamet’s return comes at a time when the Knicks’ bench needs help.
The team’s second unit, which includes Cameron Payne, Miles McBride, and Precious Achiuwa, has struggled to produce points.
Jericho Sims has also been in and out of the rotation.
With his ability to shoot from outside, Shamet brings six years of NBA experience and career averages of 8.7 points and 38.4% three-point shooting.
His Role with the Knicks
During training camp, Shamet’s play impressed head coach Tom Thibodeau, who spoke highly of him.
“The way he’s fit in,” Thibodeau said.
“There’s some benefit to having played with Cam and Mikal, so I think being familiar with those guys is beneficial. Versatility, the ability to play multiple positions. Can think on his feet, can execute, can really shoot the ball.”
“So those types of guys — I like the speed of our second unit a lot. I think when you look at Cam, Deuce, and Landry, they complement each other really well, and so I like their perimeter play together.”
Shamet’s familiarity with Payne and Mikal Bridges from their time on the Phoenix Suns is an added bonus.
This chemistry can help the Knicks’ bench become more cohesive.
The Knicks have had a great season so far, with a 19-10 record after winning nine of their last 11 games.
They rank second in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage, hitting nearly 40% of their attempts.
However, they only rank 20th in three-point attempts, which is something Shamet can help improve.
First Game Back
Shamet made his season debut in the Knicks’ 139-125 win against the Raptors at Madison Square Garden.
He played briefly, checking in during the final moments of the game, but he made the most of it by hitting his only shot.
After the game, Shamet shared his excitement about being back.
“I was so amped up today, man, I’ve been chomping at the bit for a while,” he said.
“It just felt good to be back in the building, suited up, be with the guys, lock in on a game plan, and be a teammate. I’m just grateful that I felt good to get in the game there at the end and kind of just see the first one go in.”
Career So Far
Shamet was drafted with the 26th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and has played for several teams, including the Sixers, Clippers, Nets, Suns, and Wizards.
Over 348 career games, he has averaged 8.7 points while shooting 39% from three-point range.
His ability to shoot and play multiple roles has made him a valuable player wherever he has gone.
Before his preseason injury, Shamet averaged 10.8 points in 22 minutes per game with the Knicks.
This kind of strong start made the team eager to bring him back once he was healthy.
Lessons Learned
Shamet has been open about how challenging the recovery process has been.
“I’m a big believer that things and circumstances happen for a reason, and you might not understand why in the moment, but there’s a benefit, a silver lining in every situation,” he said.
“Rehab is always a roller coaster, good days, bad days, but all things considered, we’re nine weeks removed from that happening, and I feel really good and really grateful and happy to be back in this position with this group.”
The Knicks are getting closer to full strength, with Mitchell Robinson also nearing his return.
And for Shamet and the Knicks, this is just the beginning of what could be a successful season.