Landry Shamet suffered a significant injury at an unfortunate time.
During the third quarter of Tuesday’s preseason game, the Knicks guard injured his shoulder and left for the locker room, not to return as his team went on to defeat the Hornets, 111-105, at the Garden.
Shamet sustained the injury while attempting to defend a drive by Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate; he swatted at the ball but immediately grabbed his right arm and fell to the court in agony.
Landry Shamet reacts after suffering a shoulder injury during the second half of the Knicks’ 111-105 preseason win over the Hornets on Oct. 15, 2024. AP
It appeared that his shoulder was dislocated.
No update on Shamet’s condition was provided by the Knicks during the game.
Shamet is on a non-guaranteed contract but was anticipated to secure a spot on the final roster, with a potential role as a backup combo guard.
His Exhibit 9 contract includes only $15,000 in injury protection.
If he makes the final roster and his contract becomes guaranteed, he stands to earn $2 million.
The Knicks must maintain at least two players on non-guaranteed contracts, with Ariel Hukporti, Jacob Toppin, T.J. Warren, Chuma Okeke, and Kevin McCullar Jr. among the candidates.
The Knicks also have the option to sign a free agent.
Landry Shamet heads to the locker room after suffering a shoulder injury during the second half of the Knicks’ preseason win. John Jones-Imagn Images
Zhaire Smith, Jalen McDaniels, Jahlil Okafor, Kendall Brown, Terence Davis, and Isaiah Miller have all been recently waived by NBA teams.
A six-year NBA veteran, Shamet scored eight points in 20 minutes on Tuesday and was brought in as a free agent after spending last season with the Wizards.
He is recognized as a sharpshooter and received commendation from Tom Thibodeau during training camp.
If Shamet’s injury turns out to be long-term, the Knicks still have guards Miles McBride, Cam Payne, and Tyler Kolek available to support Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.
Pacome Dadiet seized his first significant NBA opportunity.
With the Knicks resting all their regular starters on Tuesday, the 19-year-old rookie scored 16 points—entirely in the first half—while shooting 6-for-11 from the field (including 3-for-6 from beyond the arc).
Dadiet, selected 25th overall in this year’s draft, marks the first Knicks first-round pick in three years but is viewed as a long-term development project after playing overseas last season.
Pacome Dadiet drives to the basket while being defended by Tre Mann (23) during the first half of the Knicks’ preseason win. John Jones-Imagn Images
Before Tuesday’s game, he had yet to appear in the preseason and was managing a finger injury.
However, Thibodeau opted to rest his starters against the Hornets, with Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges all dressed in street clothes.
Thibodeau has consistently stated that the approach is to treat the upcoming final preseason game—scheduled for Friday against Washington—as a proper dress rehearsal, utilizing a more regular rotation.
Although Dadiet, standing at 6 feet 8 inches, likely won’t see significant minutes during the regular season—unless there is a spate of injuries—he made a memorable first impression on Tuesday.
Precious Achiuwa led the Knicks with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
Landry Shamet Suffers Shoulder Injury in Knicks’ Preseason Win as Roster Decisions Loom
In a crucial preseason matchup, Landry Shamet of the New York Knicks sustained a shoulder injury that has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming NBA season. This incident occurred during a tightly contested game, where the Knicks secured a victory, but the implications of Shamet’s injury overshadowed the win. As the team navigates roster decisions, this injury adds an element of uncertainty to their plans for the season.
Details of the Injury
During the second quarter of the game, Landry Shamet collided with an opposing player while attempting to secure a rebound. The impact resulted in an immediate reaction from Shamet, who was seen clutching his shoulder in visible discomfort. Medical staff quickly attended to him, and he was escorted to the locker room for further evaluation.
Injury Assessment and Expected Recovery
The initial assessment indicates that Shamet could be dealing with a shoulder sprain, although further tests are required to confirm the full extent of the injury. Here are key points regarding the injury assessment:
- Type of Injury: Potential shoulder sprain
- Immediate Reaction: Clutching shoulder, unable to continue
- Next Steps: MRI and further evaluations scheduled
Impact on the Knicks’ Roster Decisions
As the Knicks prepare for the regular season, roster decisions become increasingly important. With Shamet’s injury, the coaching staff must consider various factors as they finalize their lineup.
Key Considerations for Roster Decisions
- Depth at Shooting Guard: Without Shamet, the Knicks must evaluate their options within the roster.
- Potential Trades: The injury could accelerate trade discussions if Shamet’s recovery timeline is lengthy.
- Player Performance: Other players will need to step up and prove their worth during the preseason.
Potential Replacements for Shamet
The Knicks have several players who could potentially fill the void if Shamet’s absence extends into the regular season. Here’s a look at some of the candidates:
| Player | Position | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Quentin Grimes | Shooting Guard | Defensive prowess, shooting ability |
| Immanuel Quickley | Point Guard/Shooting Guard | Versatile scorer, playmaking skills |
| RJ Barrett | Shooting Forward | All-around offensive threat, rebounding |
Benefits of Roster Depth
Having a deep roster is crucial for any NBA team, especially when injuries occur. The Knicks have the opportunity to leverage their bench strength in the following ways:
- Increased Competition: Players are motivated to perform better when they know there are others vying for their position.
- Development of Young Talent: Injuries can provide opportunities for younger players to gain valuable experience.
- Strategic Flexibility: A deep roster allows the coaching staff to adapt to different game scenarios and matchups.
Case Studies: Teams Overcoming Injuries
Several teams in the NBA have faced injury crises in the past and managed to thrive despite the setbacks. Here are some notable examples:
1. Golden State Warriors (2015-2016 Season)
The Warriors lost key players during the playoffs but saw others, like Andre Iguodala, step up and lead the team to the NBA Finals.
2. Miami Heat (2010-2011 Season)
Despite injuries to Chris Bosh, the Heat relied on Dwyane Wade and LeBron James to carry the team, demonstrating the importance of roster depth.
3. Toronto Raptors (2019 Championship Season)
When Kawhi Leonard was sidelined, other players like Pascal Siakam emerged as crucial contributors, helping the Raptors clinch their first title.
First-Hand Experience: Navigating Injuries
As a fan and frequent observer of NBA teams, witnessing how coaches and players adapt to injuries is fascinating. One memorable experience was watching the Boston Celtics navigate through injuries during the 2018 playoffs. Key players like Kyrie Irving were sidelined, yet the team thrived on the contributions of role players like Terry Rozier, who stepped up in critical moments. This experience underscores the importance of resilience and depth in professional basketball.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As the Knicks continue their preseason preparations, Landry Shamet’s shoulder injury introduces an element of uncertainty. The organization must remain proactive in evaluating their roster and making strategic decisions that will benefit the team in the long run. Fans will be eagerly waiting for updates on Shamet’s condition, as it will play a significant role in shaping the Knicks’ approach as they aim for success in the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the typical recovery times for shoulder sprains in basketball players?
Recovery time can vary based on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may take a few weeks, while more serious injuries can require several months of rehabilitation.
How will Shamet’s injury affect the Knicks’ offensive strategy?
If Shamet is sidelined, the Knicks may need to adjust their offensive play, potentially increasing the roles of other shooting guards and wings on the roster.
What should fans look for in the upcoming preseason games?
Fans should focus on player performances, especially from those who may take on increased responsibilities in Shamet’s absence, and how the coaching staff adapts to the situation.
