Less than five minutes into the Knicks’ loss to the Warriors, Mike Brown made a move that turned heads-not for what it said in the moment, but for what it could mean moving forward. Landry Shamet, fresh off a two-month absence with a right shoulder injury, checked in for Mikal Bridges.
On the surface, it looked like a routine substitution. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear: Shamet’s role on this team is bigger than anyone might’ve expected.
This wasn’t just a coach giving a guy some early minutes. It was a message-maybe even a warning.
Shamet is no longer just a depth piece. He’s a rotation player the Knicks might not be able to do without.
And that has implications up and down the roster, especially for players like Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson, whose roles are now anything but guaranteed.
Shamet’s Value Is Outpacing His Contract
Let’s start with the basics: Shamet is on a minimum deal, and he’s already outperforming it. That’s the kind of production that front offices dream about-especially when you’re trying to build a contender without blowing up your cap sheet. His contract is a steal, plain and simple.
But what makes this situation more intriguing is how quickly he was thrust back into the mix. Despite being out since before Thanksgiving, Shamet didn’t ease into his return.
Brown wasted no time getting him on the floor, and that urgency speaks volumes. It’s not just about what Shamet can provide-it’s about what the Knicks are lacking.
A Role That Could Keep Growing
To be clear, Shamet isn’t going to be the first man off the bench every night. Deuce McBride got the starting nod against Golden State with Jalen Brunson sidelined by a sprained ankle, and typically, McBride will slide back into his sixth-man role once Brunson returns. But Shamet’s early entrance in this game wasn’t a fluke-it was a sign of his growing value.
He went 2-for-7 from deep against the Warriors, and every single attempt came from beyond the arc. That kind of volume, even on an off night, matters.
The Knicks need floor spacers-guys who aren’t afraid to let it fly and can do so with some consistency. Shamet’s track record suggests he can be that guy, especially in lineups that don’t feature one of New York’s primary creators.
And then there’s his defense. Shamet isn’t locking down elite scorers, but he’s been one of the Knicks’ grittiest defenders, especially when it comes to chasing guards through screens.
He’s held his own against point guards, wings, and everything in between. In a rotation that’s light on true wings, that versatility is gold.
A Luxury That’s Also a Red Flag
Here’s where things get complicated. Shamet’s return is undeniably a boost, but it also highlights a bigger issue.
The Knicks are relying on him-not just appreciating his contributions, but needing them. And that’s a little concerning.
When a player on a minimum deal becomes this essential, it says something about the state of the roster. Right now, New York is short on wings, short on consistent shooting, and short on backcourt options who can be trusted night in and night out.
Shamet, at 6’5”, helps patch all three holes. But he’s not supposed to be the patch.
He’s supposed to be the bonus.
That’s why his presence is both a silver lining and a warning sign. The Knicks are fortunate to have him-but they shouldn’t have to lean on him this hard.
If Kolek and Clarkson continue to struggle, and if the rotation stays this thin, Shamet’s minutes could keep climbing. And while that’s great for him, it’s a flashing neon sign for the front office ahead of the trade deadline.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t about Shamet becoming a star. It’s about what his role says about the Knicks’ current state.
A healthy, contending team doesn’t need to thrust a recently injured role player into the spotlight this quickly. But New York doesn’t have the luxury of waiting.
They need shooting, they need perimeter defense, and they need someone who can play competent minutes on the wing. Right now, Shamet checks all three boxes.
So yes, his return is a bright spot. But it’s also a reminder that the Knicks need help-and soon. If the front office wasn’t already locked in on adding another rotation-caliber player before the trade deadline, Shamet’s early usage should be the wake-up call.
Because when a minimum-salary player becomes a must-have piece, the margins are getting too thin for comfort.