Sharpshooter’s Return: What Can a Seven-Year Veteran Bring to the Knicks This Season?
The New York Knicks made a quiet yet meaningful move by re-signing Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. While it will not dominate the headlines like a blockbuster trade, Shamet’s return adds a steady hand and a proven sharpshooter to a roster with championship aspirations. He averaged nearly six points per game last season and shot close to 40 percent from three, numbers that show his ability to stretch the floor in high-pressure moments. With a roster filled with stars such as Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns, having a role player who knows how to stay ready and contribute instantly is invaluable. Shamet’s return represents more than depth, it represents trust in a player who understands his role.
One of Shamet’s greatest strengths is his ability to space the floor and keep defenses honest. When Brunson attacks the paint or Towns operates in the post, Shamet’s presence forces defenders to think twice about collapsing. He has built a career on finding the open spot, catching in rhythm, and knocking down shots, the exact kind of skillset that playoff teams with high expectations lean on when every possession matters. His experience across several playoff runs gives him the poise to handle big moments without being rattled. For the Knicks, that ability to provide a spark from the bench could decide the flow of tight games.
There are challenges Shamet will need to overcome to maximize his impact. His scoring averages are modest, so his value hinges on consistent shooting nights. Defensive limitations also mean the Knicks must use him strategically against certain matchups. However, his toughness cannot be ignored. He played through a dislocated shoulder last season, fought back through the G League, and earned his way back into the rotation, proving he has the mentality to battle through adversity.
Beyond the numbers, Shamet’s return signals something bigger about the Knicks’ approach. This is a front office that values chemistry and continuity, understanding that constant turnover can damage a team’s rhythm. Shamet has familiarity with teammates like Bridges. Which builds smoother bench lineups and improves cohesion across units. His presence steadies rotations and provides assurance when stars need rest, foul trouble arises, or the game calls for a reliable outside threat.
For Knicks fans, Shamet’s role may not come with fireworks, but it may come with timing. He has shown throughout his career that he can make shots when the moment calls for it, feed off the Garden crowd’s energy, and give New York the spacing it needs to free up its stars. On a roster loaded with talent, and under new head coach Mike Brown the smallest contributions often make the biggest difference. If Shamet stays healthy and confident, his return could become one of the Knicks’ smartest under-the-radar moves of the season.
