Landry Shamet Secures Final Roster Spot for Knicks

Landry Shamet has emerged victorious in the Knicks’ most significant roster competition.

He clinched the last spot as the team made cuts ahead of Saturday’s 5 p.m. deadline.

The standout cut was Garrison Matthews, who was in contention with Shamet for that final roster position. Malcolm Brogdon’s surprising retirement on Wednesday transformed the three-way contest into a duel. Previously reported by the Post’s Stephen Bondi, Brogdon was expected to join the roster as a vital backup for point guard Jalen Brunson. His sudden exit, however, opened the door for Shamet to return for his second season with the Knicks.

Matthews didn’t participate in Friday’s final preseason victory over the Hornets, which ended 113-108 at Madison Square Garden. Shamet logged 20 minutes and scored 11 points.

“It’s been a competitive camp. All the guys here are capable of being on the team, so it’s tricky,” coach Mike Brown said after the game. “But we need to make choices, so we do what we have to.”

The Knicks have yet to officially sign Mohamed Diawara, drafted in the second round in June. He remains under an Exhibit 10 contract. For the first two weeks of the season, the Knicks can utilize 13 players before hitting the 14-man roster minimum.

Shamet, who missed early last season due to a shoulder injury, participated in 50 regular-season games last year, averaging 5.7 points with a shooting percentage of 39.7 from beyond the arc. He also had a significant role late in last year’s playoffs.

While both Shamet and Matthews are solid three-point shooters, Shamet’s defensive skills and experience gave him the edge. With Brogdon gone, Shamet takes on more of a shooting guard role, placing additional pressure on Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek to manage the point guard duties when Brunson is resting.

The Knicks also waived Alex Len and Matt Ryan. Tothan Ebbuomwan, Kevin McCullar Jr., and Trey Jemison III remain on two-way contracts.

Diawara was initially seen as a developmental pick but has made a strong impression during both training camp and the preseason.

It’s still possible the Knicks could make an unexpected move regarding Shamet or another player, starting the season with 13 players and potentially re-signing a player later. They have a two-week window to create space in their salary cap if they decide to add someone during the season.