Landry Shamet’s Unexpected Role with the Knicks

Landry Shamet’s situation has certainly taken a turn this season, one that many folks didn’t see coming. Now back in action after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for a bit, he looks likely to secure a spot in the Knicks’ playoff roster.

“I don’t take this moment for granted,” Shamet expressed following practice on Sunday. “This is a sensitive thing, I know that. It’s a special team, in a special market, just wearing the jersey means a lot to me. I’m grateful and happy to be part of this group, and to have Mike’s team.” His sentiment reflects a deep sense of appreciation and trust in his teammates.

Last year, he found himself with a minimal role under coach Tom Thibodeau. The previous season wasn’t any better; he was one of the last players remaining on coach Brown’s roster, largely due to signing a non-guaranteed minimum contract that came about after Malcolm Brogdon’s unexpected retirement.

After a solid start—15 promising games—he suffered a shoulder dislocation, which was especially difficult since it was the same shoulder that had troubles the year before. Given that his contract wasn’t guaranteed, the Knicks could have opted to let him go. Yet, they chose to allow him the time to heal, and that decision turned out to be beneficial. He stepped up as a critical bench shooter, averaging 9.6 points per game, which is a career high, and he shot 39.4% from three-point range. Additionally, he proved to be one of the team’s best defenders, particularly at the point of attack.

There’s a strong case to be made that the Knicks have benefited more from Shamet than from any other player signed at the league’s minimum. An often-overlooked part of his contributions includes his ability to play as a backup point guard. Coach Brown praised Shamet for excelling in this role despite having mostly played shooting guard throughout his career. Brown feels confident with both Shamet and Miles McBride handling the duties, even if they aren’t traditional point guards.

With both players back to health now, it seems like there won’t be much space left for Jose Alvarado in the lineup.

“He’s got the ball-handling skills and enough basketball IQ to initiate an offense,” Brown commented about Shamet. “And conceptually, with his feel for the game, we can draw up some good offensive plays. The strategy isn’t fixated on him being a typical point guard, he can definitely handle what we ask of him to kick off our offensive plays.”

In various capacities, Shamet plays crucial roles for the Knicks; there were times when it seemed he wouldn’t have a place at all. But here he is, making an impact.