Knicks linked to reunion with sharpshooter free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News

The New York Knicks were perceived to have had a depth problem last year. New York, en route to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, ran a strict seven-man rotation in the postseason until their backs were against the wall against the eventual Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers.

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Then-head coach Tom Thibodeau finally acquiesced to the demands of the fans (and reportedly the front office) and finally opened up the rotation. Landry Shamet, who had not seen playing time since the team’s first round matchup against the Detroit Pistons, got some run against Indiana. From Game 3 to Game 6, Shamet went 7-13 from three-point range and provided an offensive spark for a team that desperately needed it.

Now, New York has the opportunity to rectify their mistakes from last season. Shamet is currently unsigned, and the Knicks have one last veteran minimum contract to hand out.

Does Landry Shamet Fit What the Knicks Are Looking for Right Now?

Shamet was not a major piece of the puzzle for the Knicks last season, but he certainly had a role and played up to his standard when his number was called. After signing with New York on a one-year deal last Summer, Shamet suffered a dislocated shoulder during the preseason, which cost him his roster spot ahead of the start of opening night.

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After rehabbing in the G-League with the Westchester Knicks, Shamet returned to the main roster in December and was one of New York’s best three-point shooters, averaging close to 40% from deep. In the modern NBA, every team needs shooters, and Shamet would fit the bill for what the Knicks are looking for as a contender.

SNY’s David Vertsberger had this to say about whether New York should consider bringing back the seven-year veteran.

“Unlike some of these other options, Shamet has some positional flexibility, with the ability to play and guard one through three.” Wrote Vertsberger. “He was clutch in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, shooting 7-15 from three in the series and playing some stifling defense after not playing for essentially the entire postseason.”

Signing Shamet would be a low-risk move, considering all he would cost is the veteran’s minimum. If the Knicks are serious about utilizing their bench depth under new head coach Mike Brown, Shamet would be a great final piece to an already well-rounded New York roster.