The Knicks’ bench was a black hole last season. While Jalen Brunson carried the load, the second unit couldn’t buy a bucket when it mattered.
Now, with Mike Brown taking over as head coach and roster spots still available, New York might have found their answer in a familiar face who already proved he belongs.
Why Is Landry Shamet the Perfect Low-Risk Solution for New York?
Shamet, now an unrestricted free agent, is emerging as a strong candidate to rejoin the Knicks for the 2025-26 season. After finishing his one-year deal with the team, the 28-year-old guard has positioned himself as a low-risk, high-reward option. This becomes even more critical when you consider that the Knicks struggled to generate consistent bench scoring during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging just 21.7 points per game.
Bleacher Report listed Shamet among the top remaining free agents, predicting that unless New York pursues a bigger name like Chris Paul, Shamet is a likely candidate to return and round out the bench rotation.
The numbers tell the story of efficiency over volume. Despite limited minutes during the 2024-25 regular season, Shamet made the most of his opportunities. He averaged 5.7 points per game on 46.1 percent shooting from the field and a decent 39.7 percent from beyond the arc. Those percentages stood out on a team that ranked last in bench points per game, highlighting exactly what the Knicks desperately needed.
What a sequence for Landry Shamet 🔥
3 on one end.
Takes the charge on the other.Knicks/Pistons battling in the 4Q on NBA League Pass! pic.twitter.com/nuEwLuUmum
— NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2025
However, Shamet’s real value showed up when the lights got brightest. His role increased during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, where the Knicks needed additional floor spacing. Though he had a quiet presence earlier in the playoffs, his return to the rotation during that series made a difference. He led the team with a +21 plus-minus in the series, reflecting his ability to contribute on both ends despite limited usage.
The track record speaks for itself. Across his 398 regular-season games, Shamet has maintained a 38.5% shooting average from deep, making him one of the more dependable 3-point specialists on the market. His skill set aligns perfectly with what the Knicks lack: quick-trigger perimeter shooting and the ability to stretch defenses without dominating the ball.
How Does Mike Brown’s System Make Shamet Even More Valuable?
New head coach Mike Brown officially took over on July 7 as the 32nd head coach in Knicks history, replacing Tom Thibodeau. Brown has already emphasized adaptability and rotation flexibility, both of which could work in Shamet’s favor.
Brown is known for getting the most out of versatile, high-IQ role players. With Shamet’s ability to space the floor, defend competently, and play within a structured system, his skill set fits what Brown tends to value in rotational guards.
In a second-unit backcourt that needs perimeter scoring and shooting stability, Shamet could become a reliable fixture. Plus, Shamet’s familiarity with the system and teammates could add continuity to a team trying to build cohesion under a new coaching staff.
The comeback story adds another layer to his value. Shamet initially worked his way back into the NBA after suffering an injury during training camp last fall. He spent time in the G League before earning his way into 50 games with New York during the 2024-25 regular season. Given the arc of his comeback and his clear fit on the roster, re-signing him could provide both stability and upside at a low cost.
