Knicks Bolster Training Camp Roster with Veteran Signings
The New York Knicks have injected experience and a touch of sharpshooting into their training camp roster by signing veteran forward Marcus Morris and sniper Landry Shamet. Both players join the team on Exhibit 9 contracts, essentially invitations to vie for a roster spot ahead of the upcoming season.
Morris, well-traveled and seasoned, enters training camp carrying 13 years of NBA experience. Over his career, he has represented eight different teams, including a previous stint with the Knicks during the 2019-20 season. The Knicks traded Morris to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2020 trade deadline, a move that eventually saw him become part of a trade for James Harden. This past season saw Morris navigate a series of trades before concluding with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite being in his age-35 season, Marcus Morris remains a versatile forward, known for his physicality and ability to defend larger wings. While his defensive prowess has waned with age, his shooting remains sharp. Over his career, Morris has connected on 37.7% of his three-point attempts, with last season seeing him shoot just above 40% from long range. However, his ability to create his own looks has declined, making him less dynamic than in earlier years.
On the other hand, Landry Shamet brings a specialized skill set with his shooting ability. His reputation as a sharpshooter makes him a valuable camp invite as the Knicks look to solidify their outside shooting. Like Morris, Shamet’s Exhibit 9 contract offers him an opportunity to earn a place on the Knicks roster through training camp performance.
The Knicks' desire for a reliable presence in their final roster slot underscores these decisions. With both Marcus Morris and Landry Shamet possessing extensive NBA experience, the team is ensuring they have seasoned players who can step in and contribute if needed. "We want a known quantity as our 15th man," has been the underlying theme in decisions around these choices.
Adding a layer of competition, Morris and Shamet will contend for roster spots with Chuma Okeke, a former first-round pick by the Orlando Magic who is also on a non-guaranteed deal. Okeke's presence intensifies the training camp dynamics as each player looks to showcase their abilities and fit within the team's structure.
The road to securing the final roster spot is not straightforward. Marcus Morris brings the benefit of familiarity, having donned a Knicks jersey previously, whereas Shamet's lethal shooting provides an alternative dimension. Okeke adds youthful potential, creating a tapestry of options for the Knicks to assess during training camp.
For the Knicks, this period is not merely about picking the most talented player but finding someone who can fit seamlessly into their system and contribute when the occasion calls for it. As a franchise with playoff aspirations, having a reliable bench is as critical as the starting lineup. Whoever wins that final spot will likely play a crucial role as the season progresses.
Morris and Shamet have exhibited the traits of experienced, battle-tested players, each bringing unique assets to the table. Morris's versatility and defensive abilities, paired with Shamet's precision shooting, provide distinct advantages. Meanwhile, Okeke's potential and fresh energy promise to keep the competition stiff.
As training camp unfolds, the Knicks will be closely monitoring the performances of these veterans alongside Okeke. Each practice and game opportunity will serve as a critical evaluation point, determining who ultimately claims the coveted final roster spot. The decision, intricate and multifaceted, aims not only to enhance the team's depth but to ensure that the chosen player can contribute effectively in the season ahead.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA, such strategic decisions can make the difference between a playoff berth and an extended offseason. The Knicks’ approach to this roster decision reflects a broader strategy, emphasizing experience, reliability, and fit as they build towards their season goals.