Landry Shamet Injury Update
Landry Shamet is marked as unavailable for Monday’s match against the Nets because of a sprained right shoulder. It’s likely that more tests will reveal the full extent of his injury—most crucially, whether he might need surgery.
The injury occurred when Shamet took a hard screen from Wendell Carter Jr. during the first quarter of Saturday’s loss to the Magic.
After the game, Knicks coach Mike Brown mentioned that a thorough evaluation for Shamet would happen “in the coming days.”
This injury is pretty significant for the 28-year-old guard.
If it turns out to be a dislocated shoulder, Shamet might have to choose between undergoing surgery, which would end his season, or opting for rehabilitation in hopes of returning sooner.
You’ll recall that he dislocated the same shoulder over a year ago, decided against surgery, and managed to get back on the court a few months later. But, I wonder if that choice might come back to haunt him, especially since it seems the shoulder popped out again on Saturday.
There’s also an interesting tidbit about Shamet’s contract: it’s not guaranteed until early January. So, if surgery is needed, the Knicks might have to cut him.
Even if Shamet goes the non-surgical route again, a lengthy recovery could complicate things for the Knicks. They really need reliable players right now, and Shamet’s spot could be crucial for a free agency move or trade.
Mikal Bridges, a close friend of Shamet’s, shared that he checked in with him right after the injury.
“I saw him at halftime,” Bridges recounted. “He said he’s fine. As long as he’s fine, his mind is fine. He knows more than I do, but he’s fine.”
When asked how the team plans to adapt to Shamet’s absence, Bridges acknowledged, “We know how valuable he is. But it’s up to the next guy to step up. There are plenty of guys ready in the locker room.”
Post-injury, players Tyler Kolek and Mohamed Diawara received increased playing time.
In other news, Miles McBride, who missed Saturday’s game due to illness, is no longer on the injury report for the upcoming game in Brooklyn.
