Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks supplied no additional readability on the severity of the shoulder harm Landry Shamet suffered Tuesday night time on the Backyard, but it surely stated loads that the veteran wing was noticed at some point later carrying a sling over his proper arm whereas strolling into the group’s observe facility.
Shamet probably was going to be a part of the Knicks bench rotation to open the season, however he clearly will have to be changed for so long as he’s sidelined.
“It’s very powerful. Clearly, we’re praying for the very best for him,” Jalen Brunson stated after observe in Tarrytown. “It’s a troublesome scenario to see, however each minute I’ve been capable of discuss to him and compete with him throughout this camp. Simply seeing him from afar for the previous six years, being in the identical draft class, he’s been nothing however an amazing skilled.
“So no matter what occurred, he’ll be again and I’m excited to see his progress, as a result of he’s been nice.”
Thibodeau stated the 27-year-old Shamet nonetheless was being evaluated by the group’s medical workers Wednesday after the six-year NBA veteran injured the shoulder whereas defending a drive by Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate in Tuesday’s third quarter.
With Brunson and the Knicks’ different projected starters not dressing for the sport, the 6-foot-4 Shamet began and scored eight factors in 20 minutes.
“We’d like the data first. I don’t wanna be untimely. I wanna see what everybody has to say after which we go from there,” Thibodeau stated. “I actually appreciated the best way [he plays], the velocity and flexibility, his potential to make performs off the dribble, to shoot the ball, to maneuver with out the ball, to learn defenses, to know what’s occurring on the ground, and he helps carry the very best out of everybody. He helps you execute, and I believe that’s necessary.”
Shamet, a profession 38.4 % shooter from 3-point vary, was considered as a match to assist exchange traded Donte DiVincenzo’s scoring contact from the surface.
His absence doubtlessly may result in a gap for draft picks equivalent to Tyler Kolek or Pacome Dadiet or one other veteran on a tryout deal, equivalent to former Nets ahead T.J. Warren or Chuma Okeke.
As he’s carried out up to now, Thibodeau additionally may merely go to a shorter 8-man rotation and divvy up Shamet’s anticipated minutes amongst beginning wings 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 merely may waive Shamet from his non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract, they usually solely could be charged with a $15,000 injury-protection clause.
over the Hornets on on Oct. 15, 2024. NBAE through Getty Pictures
Such a transfer would open up a roster spot underneath the $188.9 million second apron of the wage cap for one more veteran on a minimal deal — maybe a return for former Knick ahead Marcus Morris Sr.
He was waived from 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 within the preseason) have one closing gown rehearsal Friday night time on the street towards the Wizards earlier than their regular-season opener Tuesday night time towards the defending-champion Celtics in Boston.
“Regardless, it’s all the time a next-man-up mentality,” Brunson stated. “It’s one thing that I’ve seen right here since I’ve been right here. That doesn’t change, no matter who’s on the market. And so I used to be actually pleased with what [the bench] did [Tuesday] night time.
“We’re taking steps in the suitable route. We simply should proceed to construct off that and never get complacent.”
