Landry Shamet’s transformation into a Knicks cult hero is a story few saw coming. In just two years, he has defied expectations and etched his name into Knicks history.
There’s something special about an underdog. The most satisfying moments in sports often come when someone unexpectedly rises to folk legend status.
While it might be early to place Landry Shamet among names like Big Shot Bob Horry, he is making his mark with the Knicks.
Shamet’s Journey Before New York
Shamet’s career before joining the Knicks was that of a journeyman. He played for five teams in six seasons, including stops in Philly, Los Angeles with the Clippers, Brooklyn, Phoenix, and Washington.
Although he held a bench role on multiple playoff teams, including the 2021 Suns team that reached the NBA Finals, he was traded to the Wizards in 2023 as part of the Bradley Beal trade.
His performance declined with the Wizards, where he shot a career-low 33.8% from deep in 46 games. He was close to falling out of the league, as teams often prefer younger players with potential.
Knicks Opportunity Arises
After being unsigned for months, the Knicks offered Shamet a chance to compete for the final roster spot ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Knicks also signed Marcus Morris Sr. and Chuma Okeke to compete for the final spot.
A mega trade then occurred. Karl-Anthony Towns was acquired, while Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle departed. The Knicks waived Morris to clear space due to the trade’s financial implications, signalling their trust in Shamet.
Morris wanted a guaranteed spot and opted not to re-sign, opening the door for Shamet to secure a roster position.
Tom Thibodeau was impressed with Shamet’s shooting and defensive abilities. He was on track to beat out Okeke and TJ Warren for the final roster spot.
Setback and Resilience
Shamet dislocated his right shoulder during a preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets. This put him out of action for months.
Despite the injury, Shamet is poised to leave a lasting impact on the Knicks.