The New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns trade may have been the best thing to happen to Landry Shamet.
The 27-year-old veteran guard signed a training camp deal with the Knicks and was set to battle for a final roster spot.
However, following the trade, which saw the Knicks lose much of their depth, Shamet appears to be in line to not only make the final roster, but factor into the rotation.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has frequently praised Shamet and noted that Shamet has chemistry with Mikal Bridges and backup guard Cameron Payne from their time together with the Phoenix Suns.
The Athletic's James Edwards also projected Shamet to make the roster and come off the bench.
Shamet helped his case in the Knicks' first preseason game, playing 27 minutes off the bench and scoring 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, 4-of-8 from three. Shamet is a career 38% shooter from three and has shot above 40% twice in his career.
When Shamet signed with the Knicks, he initially looked poised to battle with Marcus Morris and Chuma Okeke for the final roster spot, giving the Knicks veteran depth in case of injuries. With Donte DiVincenzo on the roster, Shamet, a natural two-guard, didn't figure see much playing time.
But with DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, and Keita Bates-Diop traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Towns deal, and Morris waived to make the deal work financially, the Knicks' bench is now thin. Shamet's shooting and experience could be a big addition to a second unit that needs both.
Currently, the Knicks bench figures to include Payne, Shamet, Miles McBride, and Precious Achiuwa, with backup center Jericho Sims and rookie guard Tyler Kolek jumping in occasionally. Thibodeau will also likely stagger the Knicks' starting wings of OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Bridges to give the second unit more size.
Perhaps that unit isn't as strong as it once seemed, when it looked like DiVincenzo and Hart would be sixth and seventh men in the rotation. However, if Shamet can add a scoring punch and space the floor, that unit might still be able to top many opponents' bench units.
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