Landry Shamet has been the unsung hero of the New York Knicks' surprising playoff dominance. This red-hot Knicks team currently leads the postseason in three-point efficiency at 39.3 percent. Shamet has been a key contributor in that, connecting on an absurd 56.3 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
We keep waiting for New York's role players like Shamet to cool off, but they have now rattled off 13 consecutive playoff wins. Despite the recent success, the Knicks entered the Finals as underdogs against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. But this series is a prime example of how important matchups are in the NBA.
Blazers can finally add shooting this offseason
New York's five-out lineup with Karl-Anthony Towns as their stretch five has neutralized Wembanyama on the defensive end. Considering Portland's path to the Finals will likely run through San Antonio in the coming seasons, it's in their best interest to adopt this offensive blueprint. That's easier said than done, considering Portland has consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage throughout its rebuild.
General manager Joe Cronin did note that shooting is the top priority this summer, adding that the first-round series against San Antonio was just further confirmation that the fatal flaw still needs to be addressed.
Fortunately, help is on the way in the form of three-time 3-Point Contest champion Damian Lillard. But given the analytical importance of three-point shooting in the modern NBA, it's something Portland must continue addressing externally this summer.
Teams are already lining up for Landry Shamet
While they don't have a draft pick this year, the Blazers do have financial flexibility to add via free agency this offseason. With his minimum $2.3 million deal set to expire, Shamet is successfully boosting his market value on the biggest stage and at the perfect time.
On Sunday, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that Shamet's playoff performance is already leading to free agency interest.
"I'm told external suitors are already starting to circle in anticipation of pursuing him in free agency, which officially begins June 30 at 6 PM ET," Stein writes. "It certainly doesn't hurt that Shamet is only 29. Considerable interest is inevitable because, well, who doesn't need more shooting?"
Not only is shooting a premium in the NBA, but it's also a necessity for Portland's roster and style of play. Tiago Splitter had this team attempting the third-most three-pointers per game (42.2), which directly conflicted with the roster construction. With Deni Avdija taking on more of the offensive playmaking as a point forward, Portland must do a better job of finding reliable floor spacing options.
The downside of Shamet's hot stretch is that it's driving up the competition for teams like Portland. But he's also proven capable of being a marksman under the brightest of lights, the importance of which can't be overstated.
