Landry Shamet grateful for 'special' Knicks opportunity after full return from injury

Knicks guard Landry Shamet has emerged as a key contributor off the bench after overcoming an early-season injury.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:08am

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Landry Shamet, a Knicks guard, finds himself in an unexpected position as a key part of the team's playoff rotation. After signing a non-guaranteed contract and nearly not making the roster, Shamet has seized his opportunity, averaging a career-high 9.6 points per game and shooting 39.4% from 3-point range. He has also emerged as a capable backup point guard, allowing the Knicks to have flexibility in their rotation.

Why it matters

Shamet's story highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where players on minimum contracts can sometimes find unexpected success and carve out important roles for playoff contenders. His ability to contribute in multiple ways has been crucial for the Knicks, who have dealt with injuries and roster turnover this season.

The details

Shamet initially struggled to find a role under former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, but has thrived under new head coach Mike Brown. After signing a non-guaranteed contract and being one of the last players to make the roster, Shamet dislocated his shoulder early in the season, an injury that could have led to his release. However, the Knicks stuck with him, and he has rewarded their faith with strong play off the bench, including as a backup point guard despite being more of a shooting guard throughout his career.

  • Shamet signed a non-guaranteed, veteran minimum contract with the Knicks before the start of the season.
  • In the early part of the season, Shamet dislocated his shoulder, an injury that could have led to his release.
  • After rehabbing the injury, Shamet has emerged as a key contributor for the Knicks, averaging a career-high in points per game.

The players

Landry Shamet

A guard for the New York Knicks who has emerged as a key contributor off the bench after overcoming an early-season injury.

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who has trusted Shamet with a role as a backup point guard despite Shamet's history as more of a shooting guard.

Malcolm Brogdon

A former Knicks player whose sudden retirement likely played a role in Shamet making the Knicks' roster.

Tom Thibodeau

The former head coach of the New York Knicks, under whom Shamet struggled to find a consistent role.

Mitch Robinson

A Knicks player who has benefited from Shamet's ability to initiate the offense and throw lobs.

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What they’re saying

“I don't take these moments for granted, man. This thing's delicate, I know that. It's a special team, special market, special opportunity and just to wear the jersey even. I'm grateful and happy to be a part of this group and have Mike's [Brown] trust and my teammates' trust. I trust in them as well. Super grateful for it.”

— Landry Shamet, Knicks Guard

“He's a good enough ball handler, he has a good enough feel/IQ to initiate the offense. And then conceptually, because of his feel and the other guys' feel, we're able to generate some things offensively. We're not relying on him to be a traditional point guard. He and Deuce [McBride] are more than capable of doing the things that we're asking in terms of initiating the offense. And then at the end of the day, can they play pick-and-roll, can they play the [dribble handoff] game, get downhill and spray the ball or throw the lob to a guy like Mitch [Robinson]? I think he can.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

What’s next

With the Knicks firmly in the playoff picture, Shamet's continued contributions off the bench will be crucial as the team looks to make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

Landry Shamet's journey with the Knicks this season is a testament to the unpredictability of the NBA. After nearly not making the roster, he has become a key piece off the bench, showcasing his versatility as both a shooter and a backup point guard. His story highlights the importance of perseverance and making the most of unexpected opportunities in professional sports.