In a notable move ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, the New York Knicks have agreed to terms with veteran guard Landry Shamet, adding much-needed shooting and depth to their backcourt. The deal comes as the Knicks continue to reshape their roster for another playoff push in the competitive Eastern Conference. At the same time, the team has made the decision to waive guard Matt Ryan, whose time with New York was limited to just a brief stint.
Landry Shamet’s Arrival: A Sharpshooter for the Knicks
Landry Shamet, 26, has been a steady presence in the NBA since his debut in 2018. Known for his ability to shoot the three-ball with precision, Shamet has had stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Phoenix Suns, where he carved out a reputation as a reliable perimeter shooter and bench contributor. Over his career, he has averaged 9.2 points per game and has shot 37.7% from beyond the arc. These numbers make him an ideal fit for a Knicks team that has, at times, lacked consistent floor spacing in recent years.
Shamet’s shooting versatility has been one of his defining traits. Whether spotting up off the ball or creating his own shot, he has been able to contribute as a reliable scorer from deep. His 6’4” frame, combined with his shooting touch, makes him an effective player both in catch-and-shoot situations and when attacking off the dribble. With the Knicks relying heavily on ball movement and creating open looks for their shooters, Shamet’s skill set could prove to be invaluable as head coach Tom Thibodeau continues to mold his team into a competitive contender.
A Strategic Fit for New York’s System
For the Knicks, Shamet’s addition addresses several needs. Last season, New York’s offense occasionally stagnated, particularly in crucial playoff moments when floor spacing and scoring were at a premium. Adding a sharpshooter like Shamet allows the team to stretch defenses and provide more room for their core players, including Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, who thrive when attacking the rim. Shamet’s presence on the court will likely open up more opportunities for these players by forcing defenders to stay closer to the perimeter, which should ease the offensive load on the team’s primary scorers.
While Shamet is not known for being a primary ball handler, his ability to play both guard spots gives Thibodeau more options in terms of rotation. With Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley already providing a solid backcourt foundation, Shamet’s role will likely come as a bench scorer and secondary ball handler, particularly in high-scoring or bench-heavy lineups. His ability to step in and provide scoring off the bench will add another layer of depth to a Knicks team that’s looking to make deeper runs in the playoffs.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Shamet’s defensive ability, while not elite, is solid. He is a serviceable defender who can compete in Thibodeau’s system, which places heavy emphasis on defensive commitment. Shamet will need to prove that he can fit into the Knicks’ defensive schemes, but his work ethic and willingness to buy into the team-first mentality should help him integrate well into the rotation.
Matt Ryan Waived: A Short Stint in New York
In a corresponding move, the Knicks have waived guard Matt Ryan, ending his brief time with the team. Ryan, 26, was brought in as a three-point specialist but failed to secure a consistent role during his short stay in New York. Known primarily for his shooting ability, Ryan has bounced around the league, with previous stops at the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, where he also struggled to find a regular spot in the rotation.
Ryan did not have a major impact on the Knicks in the 2023-24 season, appearing sparingly throughout the year. Despite flashes of his shooting potential, he struggled to carve out significant minutes in a backcourt already crowded with talent. The decision to waive Ryan frees up space for Shamet’s arrival and reflects the Knicks’ desire to improve their shooting depth while creating room for a more reliable and proven player.
While Ryan’s time in New York was brief, he has shown enough promise as a shooter to potentially land a role elsewhere in the league. Ryan’s three-point shooting remains his most attractive asset, and he could be a valuable addition to teams looking for perimeter scoring off the bench. His departure from the Knicks does not signal the end of his NBA career, but rather a potential fresh start with another franchise in need of shooting depth.
What Does Shamet’s Signing Mean for the Knicks Going Forward?
The signing of Shamet provides the Knicks with several key benefits. First and foremost, it addresses a longstanding need for reliable shooting. While the Knicks have made strides in their offensive development, their three-point shooting has remained inconsistent. By adding Shamet, who has proven he can be a reliable deep shooter in multiple systems, the team improves its offensive flexibility. Whether it’s spacing the floor for pick-and-roll action or serving as a catch-and-shoot threat, Shamet can contribute in a variety of ways.
Additionally, Shamet’s arrival adds depth to the Knicks’ backcourt, something that will be crucial during the grind of the regular season. With the NBA becoming more focused on depth and versatility, having a player like Shamet who can step in and provide instant scoring will give New York more options on both ends of the court. With the competition in the Eastern Conference heating up, depth will be key for the Knicks as they look to stay competitive throughout the season and into the playoffs.
Moreover, Shamet’s signing could also provide a boost to the team’s playoff hopes. The Knicks had a solid postseason run in 2024, but their offense, particularly in the halfcourt, struggled at times, and their shooting was inconsistent. Adding a player like Shamet, who can provide instant offense off the bench, could make a significant difference in tight playoff games where shooting becomes crucial.
Looking Ahead: Knicks’ Playoff Aspirations
With the addition of Shamet and the waiver of Ryan, the Knicks appear to be gearing up for another serious playoff push. New York’s core, led by Brunson, Randle, and Barrett, remains intact, and the team has been building around that foundation. Shamet provides them with a valuable asset in terms of shooting, and if he can fit into Thibodeau’s defensive schemes, he could become an important part of their rotation.
The Knicks will face stiff competition in the Eastern Conference, with teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat all vying for playoff positioning. However, with Shamet’s shooting and depth, New York could find themselves in a more favorable position when it matters most. As always, health and chemistry will play a large part in their success, but the addition of Shamet strengthens their overall chances of competing at a high level.
Conclusion
The Knicks’ decision to sign Landry Shamet and waive Matt Ryan is a clear indication that the team is focused on improving its depth and shooting as it prepares for the upcoming season. Shamet’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute as a bench scorer gives New York the offensive flexibility it needs to remain competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. With Shamet on board and the team’s core still intact, the Knicks are shaping up to be a formidable contender in the 2024-25 season.
