Landry Shamet entered the postseason fighting for consistent minutes in the New York Knicks’ crowded rotation.
Now, after one of the most unexpected breakout performances of the NBA playoffs, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps believes Shamet is likely staying in New York beyond this season.
In a recent ESPN free agency outlook, Bontemps projected that both Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and veteran sharpshooter Landry Shamet are expected to return next season following the franchise’s dominant run to the NBA Finals.
“For both Robinson and guard Landry Shamet — the two top unrestricted free agents from this year’s roster — the belief is that coming off New York’s dominant run to the NBA Finals, both will be back,” Bontemps wrote. “And both will likely be on two-year deals.”
The projection comes after Shamet emerged as one of the Knicks’ biggest playoff X-factors during their historic postseason surge.
Landry Shamet’s Knicks Playoff Breakout Changed Everything
Shamet’s impact skyrocketed during the Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he delivered one clutch performance after another in New York’s sweep.
The veteran guard shot a staggering 11-for-12 from 3-point range during the series, setting what was the highest 3-point percentage ever recorded in a playoff series.
His biggest shot came late in Game 1 when Shamet buried a game-tying corner 3-pointer with 47 seconds remaining during the Knicks’ dramatic comeback victory.
He followed that performance with a 16-point explosion in the series-clinching Game 4 win that officially sent New York to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Shamet averaged 11.0 points while shooting 81 percent from beyond the arc beginning in Game 3 of the conference semifinals, becoming one of the NBA playoffs’ most efficient reserve scorers.
Mike Brown Trusted Shamet in Biggest Moments
The Knicks initially leaned heavily on their starters throughout the postseason, but coach Mike Brown eventually expanded the rotation as New York pushed deeper into the playoffs.
That adjustment helped unlock Shamet.
The 29-year-old veteran rewarded Brown’s confidence with timely shooting, aggressive perimeter defense and elite spacing alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
According to Daily Knicks, Shamet ranked among the NBA playoff leaders in offensive rating, plus-minus and net rating during New York’s Finals run.
His defense quietly became just as valuable.
Opponents shot only 39.7 percent from the field and 25.9 percent from 3-point range when defended by Shamet during the playoffs, adding another dimension to his postseason value.
Brown praised Shamet for his defense on Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell.
“Shamet has continued to step up big on both ends of the floor,” Brown said. “A lot of people talk about his shooting, which they should, but when Josh is not guarding Donovan, Landry had to guard him. You’re not stopping Donovan Mitchell. He’s too good of a player, but Landry did his best to make him work. That was fun to see.”
Landry Shamet Became Unexpected Knicks Folk Hero
Shamet’s rise has resonated deeply with Knicks fans because of how unlikely his journey appeared only months ago.
The veteran guard nearly failed to make the roster during training camp after injuries and roster crunches threatened his NBA future. Instead, he fought his way into the rotation and eventually into Knicks playoff lore.
Following the Eastern Conference finals clincher, Shamet embraced the growing connection with the fanbase.
“I love Knicks fans, man. I love New York,” Shamet said. “It’s home. It’s special.”
– Landry Shamet
Now, with the Knicks preparing for their first NBA Finals appearance in nearly three decades, Bontemps’ latest projection suggests Shamet’s story in New York may only be beginning.
And after becoming one of the biggest surprises of the NBA playoffs, the Knicks suddenly appear eager to keep him around for much longer.
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