Okay, let’s talk about the Knicks.
They finally made the playoffs last year, and honestly? It was stressful watching them try to win without a legit floor spacer off the bench.
I’ve been watching the NBA for a minute now, and I know the drill: you can’t win with just RJ Barrett and Julius Randle chucking threes.
That’s why Landen Shamet is suddenly popping up in every rumor mill.
The name Shamet.
Knicks.
It just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? But is it actually smart business? From what I’ve seen, this might be the exact move the front office needs to make.
The Knicks’ Bench Spacing Problem
Most people overlook this, but the biggest issue for the Knicks last season wasn’t defense—it was pure, unadulterated spacing.
When you have an offense that lives and dies by cutting to the rim, you need guys who can shoot from the perimeter.
Landen Shamet isn’t going to put up 30 points a night.
That’s not his job.
His job is to come in, spot up, and knock down open threes.
It’s that simple.
In the modern NBA, a guy who can shoot 40% from deep is worth more than a guy who can dunk. But there’s a catch.
It opens up the lane for Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.
It just makes the offense flow better.
Why Shamet is a Better Fit Than You Think
Look, I get it. Oddly enough,
You see his name and you think of him as the guy who got traded from the Clippers.
But things change.
He’s a professional.
And he’s actually got a really smooth shot.
Here is the thing about Shamet: he’s versatile. But there’s a catch.
He can play both guard spots, which gives Tom Thibodeau a lot of flexibility.
Thibs loves grit, but Thibs also needs points on the board without the ball in his hands.
Shamet provides that.
You put him next to guys like McBride or Quickley, and you’ve got a bench unit that can actually score.
The Contract Details Aren’t Terrible
Let’s be realistic about the money.
The Knicks are trying to get under the luxury tax, but they still have a little wiggle room.
Shamet is looking for a short-term deal, probably one or two years. And this is where things get interesting.
That’s low risk for New York.
- Shamet’s age: Mid-20s (still developing)
- Contract type: One-year deal likely
- Role: Sixth man / Backup Guard
It’s not a max contract. Here’s the interesting part.
It’s not even a max contract for a backup. Now think about that for a second.
It’s a contract that makes sense.
If he busts out next season, the Knicks can move on easily.
But if he finds his rhythm? That’s pure profit.
The Reality Check
Now, I have to play devil’s advocate for a second.
Has he been injury prone? Sure.
He’s missed games here and there.
But every guard does.
At the end of the day, you have to take the good with the bad.
Compared to some of the other guards floating around the market—guys who can’t shoot or guys who demand starter money—Shamet is a steal.
He’s polished, he’s a shooter, and he fits the culture.
It just makes sense.
What This Means for the Future
If the Knicks add Shamet, they aren’t just signing a player.
They’re signaling that they are serious about winning now.
It shows they want to stack talent without breaking the bank.
It’s the smart way to build a contender.
So, do I think the Knicks will sign him? I honestly think so.
It feels like the right fit.
It’s low risk, high reward. Oddly enough,
And hey, a little bit of intrigue never hurt the New York media market.
Image source: pexels.com
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not saying he’s the savior of the franchise.
He isn’t.
But if you want to win a championship, you need good role players. But there’s a catch.
And right now, the Knicks need a good role player more than anything else.
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Of course, there are always other options.
Maybe they sign instead? That would be a different story entirely.
But for now, let’s stick to the facts.
Shamet is a shooter.
The Knicks need shooters.
The math checks out.
FAQs
- Who is Landen Shamet? He is an NBA guard known for his sharpshooting ability.
- Why do the Knicks need him? They lack consistent shooting depth off the bench.
- What is his role? Primarily a spot-up shooter and sixth man.
Image source credit: pexels.com
