The New York Knicks have made the difficult decision to waive guard Landry Shamet, sources told ESPN on Saturday. The move comes just days after the 27-year-old dislocated his right shoulder while attempting to make a defensive play in a preseason game.
Shamet, who was averaging an impressive 10.8 points in 22 minutes per game during the preseason, seemed poised to play a significant role for the Knicks this season. His ability to stretch the floor with his 38.4% career three-point shooting was expected to complement the team’s newly acquired stars, Mikal Bridges and Cam Payne.
Knicks Prioritize Roster Flexibility
Despite head coach Tom Thibodeau’s praise for Shamet throughout training camp, the Knicks ultimately chose to prioritize roster flexibility. By waiving Shamet, the team now sits $3.6 million below the second tax apron, allowing them to carry fewer than the standard 14 players on their roster for up to 28 days during the regular season.
Landry was really starting to find his groove with us. It’s unfortunate that this injury happened when it did. We wish him all the best in his recovery.
– Anonymous Knicks source
Shamet’s Future Uncertain
For Shamet, the road ahead remains uncertain. The severity of his shoulder injury will likely determine his next steps. If he can avoid surgery and successfully rehabilitate the shoulder, there’s a chance the Knicks could bring him back later in the season. However, if surgery is required, Shamet may find himself searching for a new team once he’s healthy.
Knicks’ Backcourt Depth Tested
With Shamet no longer in the picture, the Knicks’ backcourt depth will be tested early in the season. The team will likely lean more heavily on the likes of Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, and Miles McBride to fill the void. However, none of these players possess quite the same combination of outside shooting and defensive prowess that Shamet brought to the table.
- Evan Fournier: Career 38.1% 3PT shooter, but inconsistent defensively
- Quentin Grimes: Promising young guard, but still developing his offensive game
- Miles McBride: Tenacious defender, but limited experience at the NBA level
As the regular season approaches, the Knicks will need to adapt quickly to Shamet’s absence. Coach Thibodeau is known for his ability to get the most out of his players, but losing a key rotation piece so close to the start of the season is never ideal.
Looking Ahead for the Knicks
Despite this setback, the Knicks remain optimistic about their chances this season. The additions of Bridges and Payne, along with the continued development of young stars like RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson, give the team a solid foundation to build upon. If they can weather the early-season adversity and find ways to compensate for Shamet’s absence, the Knicks could still be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
As for Shamet, his NBA journey takes an unexpected detour. But if his recovery goes well, don’t be surprised to see him back on the court, whether with the Knicks or another team, ready to contribute with his shooting and defensive skills.
