Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks didn’t present any extra clarification on the seriousness of the shoulder harm suffered by Landry Shamet on Tuesday night on the Backyard, but it surely says so much that the veteran winger was noticed a day later sporting a sling on his proper arm as he entered the staff’s observe facility.
Shamet was possible going to be part of the Knicks’ bench rotation to open the season, however he’ll clearly must be changed for so long as he is sidelined.
“It’s very exhausting. Clearly, we pray for the most effective for him,” Jalen Brunson stated after observe in Tarrytown. “It is a powerful state of affairs to see, however each minute I used to be capable of discuss to him and compete with him throughout this camp. Simply watching him from afar the final six years, being in the identical draft class, he is been nothing however an awesome skilled.
“So it doesn’t matter what occurred, he’ll be again and I’m excited to see his development as a result of he’s been nice.”
Thibodeau stated Shamet, 27, was nonetheless being evaluated by the staff’s medical employees Wednesday after the six-year NBA veteran injured his shoulder whereas defending a drive by Charlotte’s Moussa Diabaté within the third quarter on Tuesday.
Whereas Brunson and the Knicks’ different projected starters didn’t gown for the sport, the 6-foot-4 Shamet began and scored eight factors in 20 minutes.
“We’d like data first. I do not need to be untimely. I need to see what everybody has to say after which we’ll go from there,” Thibodeau stated. “I actually appreciated the way in which [he plays]his pace and flexibility, his capability to play off the dribble, shoot the ball, transfer with out the ball, learn defenses, perceive what’s taking place on the court docket, and he helps get probably the most out of every. It helps you execute, and I feel that is necessary.
Shamet, a profession 38.4 p.c shooter from 3-point vary, was thought-about appropriate to assist substitute Donte DiVincenzo’s scoring contact traded from the surface.
His absence may doubtlessly result in a gap for draft picks equivalent to Tyler Kolek or Pacome Dadiet or one other veteran on a tryout, like former Nets ahead TJ Warren or Chuma Okeke.
As he has finished prior to now, Thibodeau may additionally merely undertake a shorter 8-man rotation and break up Shamet’s anticipated minutes between beginning tight ends Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and/or Mikal Bridges.
The Knicks even have returning combo guard Deuce McBride, veteran free agent signing Cam Payne and ahead/heart Treasured Achiuwa as a part of their revamped second unit.
The Knicks may merely waive Shamet from his Exhibit 9 non-guaranteed contract, and they might solely be charged a $15,000 harm safety clause.
on the Hornets on October 15, 2024. NBAE through Getty Photographs
Such a transfer would open up a spot below the wage cap’s $188.9 million second apron for one more veteran on a minimal contract — maybe a return for former Knicks ahead Marcus Morris Sr.
He was waived an Exhibit 10 deal final month to assist facilitate the commerce that despatched DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Cities.
The Knicks (4-0 in preseason) have one ultimate gown rehearsal Friday evening on the street in opposition to the Wizards earlier than their regular-season opener Tuesday evening in opposition to the defending champion Celtics in Boston.
“It doesn’t matter what, it’s at all times a follow-up mentality,” Brunson stated. “It’s one thing I’ve seen right here since I’ve been right here. It would not change irrespective of who’s there. And so I used to be actually happy with what [the bench] did [Tuesday] evening.
“We’re taking steps in the best course. We simply must proceed to construct on this basis and never get complacent.
