The Knicks personal the No. 2 offense within the league however are additionally ranked last in bench scoring. Tom Thibodeau’s workforce has managed solely 20.4 bench factors per recreation, which is sort of half of what the second items of the Magic and Cavaliers produce each night time.
New York desperately wants an infusion of scoring within the second unit to ease the starters’ workload and guarantee Jalen Brunson and Co. do not get fatigued in late-game conditions. On Sunday, the Knicks started that course of by signing veteran guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal.
Shamet initially earned a spot on the Knicks roster with a formidable displaying in coaching camp. Nonetheless, he suffered an premature shoulder damage through the preseason, resulting in the Knicks waiving him.
The Knicks well didn’t permit Shamet to signal elsewhere by roping him into their G League workforce when he recovered from damage. Final week, Shamet performed a key function within the Westchester Knicks’ NBA G League Showcase victory, averaging 10.7 factors and three.5 rebounds throughout three video games, offering veteran management and well timed bench scoring.
Thibodeau is alleged to be a fan of Shamet’s recreation and needed him again on the roster. Throughout coaching camp, the Knicks coach pointed to his earlier expertise enjoying with Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne as a part of the Suns. Thibs additionally hailed Shamet, Payne and Miles McBride as the right trio to steer the Knicks’ second unit.
“Versatility, the flexibility to play a number of positions,” Thibs had mentioned of Shamet, via New York Post. “Can suppose on his ft, can execute, can actually shoot the ball. So these kind of fellows — I just like the velocity of our second unit quite a bit. I feel if you have a look at Cam, Deuce and Landry, they complement one another very well, and so I like their perimeter play collectively.”
Shamet has averaged 8.7 factors whereas capturing 38.4% from three over his six-year NBA profession. The 27-year-old can also be an underrated defender able to guarding three positions.
