The Knicks are set up to bring back nearly the same group that just finished an NBA Championship run, and Landry Shamet looks like one of the most interesting pieces in that mix. New York did lose Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, but the core remains intact, and the team also kept several important players in place this summer, including Shamet.
That matters because Shamet’s path with the Knicks has already turned into a steady climb. He was signed, waived, and signed again in 2024, then landed another deal last summer.
Now he’s on a three-year contract, and the expectation is that he’ll take on a larger role than he has so far. For a veteran wing, next season has the feel of a real opportunity.
The playoffs offered a clear reason for that confidence. Shamet showed he can handle meaningful minutes when the stakes rise, and the Knicks leaned on him in some important spots during their title run. Mike Brown trusted him in those moments, and that trust could carry over into the 2026-27 regular season.
His numbers from last regular season back up the case for a bigger workload. Shamet played in 51 games and averaged 23.0 minutes per night. He put up 9.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 43.7% from the field and 39.2% from three on 5.2 attempts per game.
He then carried that impact into the postseason. In 19 playoff games, Shamet averaged 16.3 minutes, 6.0 points, and 1.1 rebounds, while shooting 45.3% overall and 47.5% from deep on 3.2 three-point attempts a night.
With that kind of production, the Knicks have a pretty straightforward reason to keep him involved. They need depth, they need shooting, and they need a way to keep Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the regulars as fresh as possible during the season. If New York wants to manage the grind and keep its main guys healthy, Shamet is the kind of player who can soak up minutes and help make that possible.
In Other News...
Knicks Title Just Made The Nets Rebuild Look Even Worse
The Knicks title run has only sharpened the contrast across town, where the Nets are still trying to crawl out of a prolonged downturn. Brooklyn has now missed the playoffs for three straight years and just came off a 20-62 season, a stretch that has left the organization trying to sell patience while its crosstown rival celebrates the sports biggest prize.
Joe Tsai didnt hide how awkward the moment felt, calling the Knicks championship embarrassing for his side while sticking to the rebuilding script. The Nets at least added a piece to build around with the sixth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, using it on Mikel Brown Jr., who flashed some promise in summer league despite dealing with back issues, but the real test is still ahead for a team that has yet to prove the plan is working. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Backup Center Plan Still Feels Far From Settled
The Knicks entered the season with only Andre Drummond and Karl-Anthony Towns on the center depth chart, and the early read around the roster is that the situation is more temporary fix than settled plan. Drummond gives New York an experienced body in the middle, but his age and defensive limitations make him look more like a stopgap while the front office keeps an eye on longer-term options.
New York still has time to sort it out before the trade deadline, and the expectation is that the market could get more interesting as February approaches. For now, the Knicks seem content to manage the position with patience rather than force a decision early, leaving the backup center spot as one of the more obvious areas to watch. [Read more 🡒]
Karl-Anthony Towns Gave Knicks Fans One More Reason To Celebrate
Karl-Anthony Towns had another big August moment away from the court, marrying Jordyn Woods on Aug. 15 in Malibu, Calif., in a celebration that drew a mix of family, friends and a few familiar faces from across sports and entertainment. Among the guests were Gayle King, Kylie Jenner and several NBA players, adding to what was already a high-profile night for the former Knicks center.
The reception also had a very New York basketball touch to it, with the actual Larry OBrien NBA Championship Trophy on the dance floor as part of the celebration. Towns father added to the night with a toast that centered on a rare double accomplishment, noting his son had earned both an NBA championship ring and a wedding ring in the same year. [Read more 🡒]