The New York Knicks have continued to embrace the “next man up” mentality, and the results speak for themselves.
After losing guards Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, and Cameron Payne to injury, the Knicks’ depth has been tested once again, requiring someone to step up.
Enter Landry Shamet.
After dislocating his shoulder during a preseason game, the Knicks initially waived Shamet. However, on Oct. 26, they selected him with the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA G League Draft, allowing them to track his recovery and retain his rights.
Fully recovered from the injury, Shamet returned to the Knicks on a one-year deal in December.
With Brunson, Payne, and McBride sidelined, the 28-year-old has stepped up, scoring in double figures in three of the Knicks’ last four games, shooting 51.7% from the field and 45% from three-point range while averaging 19 minutes per game.
“He’s doing exactly what we need him to do,” Josh Hart said of Shamet following Sunday’s win over the Portland Trailblazers. “We love him being aggressive. We love him knocking down shots. And we need that to continue. Loving how he’s playing right now and continuing to give us energy.”
During Sunday’s win, Shamet played 19 minutes off the bench, hitting four of his nine field goal attempts (44.4%) and converting three of his six three-point attempts (50%). He also had four rebounds, with a team-high +22 rating.
Currently in his seventh NBA season, the Wichita State product has appeared in 390 games across his career, averaging 8.2 points per game on 41.1% shooting, including 38.2% from beyond the arc, throughout stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards.
While Shamet has been inconsistent at times this season, he has stepped up off the bench in recent games as the shorthanded Knicks continue to battle through injuries.
He will have another opportunity to prove his value tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks are still shorthanded, as Payne (ankle) and McBride (groin) have been ruled out for the third straight game.
The Knicks’ bench has struggled this season, and Shamet has a chance to establish himself as a reliable bench option if he continues to maximize his minutes and shoot well from three-point range.
His role could remain significant throughout the regular season and playoffs, even after Payne, McBride, and Brunson return. However, he must continue to maximize his opportunities for that to happen.
