Knicks May Have Found the Steal of the Offseason

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Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks and Landry Shamet #44 of the New York Knicks look on against the Boston Celtics.

The New York Knicks are off to an impressive start. They sit second in the Eastern Conference and have managed to stay steady despite an injury to their star Jalen Brunson. The depth has been tested and the rotation has shifted, yet New York keeps stacking wins.

In the middle of that consistency, an unexpected source has been giving the Knicks more value than anyone could have predicted when the summer began.

Landry Shamet is becoming one of the best bargains in the league.

Knicks Heat Up As Shamet Catches Fire

Shamet did not arrive in New York with certainty. He came to training camp on a non guaranteed deal and had to fight for a roster spot. There was no promise of minutes and no guarantee that he would even be with the team on opening night.

Now he is playing himself into a role that keeps growing.

The turning point came during the Knicks victory over the Miami Heat. With Brunson sidelined and OG Anunoby unable to finish the game, New York needed someone to carry them through long stretches. Shamet stepped into that void and produced a career high 36 points. He shot 12 of 19 from the field and hit six threes. More important than the numbers was the poise he brought to a team that needed calm in a chaotic game.

This is not who he has always been. It is who he has been for the Knicks.

Through the early part of the season, Shamet is averaging 10 points per game while shooting 44.6 percent from three. His movement opens space for the offense. And his presence helps second units survive long stretches when the stars rest.

New York did not plan for him to be this important. He earned it anyway.

Why Shamet Matters Even More After Jalen Brunson’s Injury

Jalen Brunson’s Grade 1 ankle sprain arrived at a difficult moment for the Knicks. They avoided the worst case scenario, but losing their All NBA guard during a long road stretch puts real pressure on Mike Brown’s rotation. Brown made it clear that the Knicks will not use the injury as an excuse, and that the team has to respond with better energy and execution.

This is where Shamet becomes even more valuable. His shooting and movement give New York a reliable offensive outlet whenever possessions slow down. He fits easily next to Karl Anthony Towns and does not need the ball to impact the game. With Brunson sidelined, the Knicks will rely on a committee, but Shamet’s ability to stretch the floor and steady second units may be one of the keys to navigating this stretch.

Looking Ahead

The Knicks will continue to evolve as the season moves forward. There will be more injuries, more lineup changes and more nights when they need someone unexpected to carry the load. Shamet has already shown that he is capable of stepping into that responsibility.

If New York keeps winning and Shamet continues to provide steady offense and dependable minutes, the conversation will only grow.

The Knicks might have found the steal of the offseason.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins