New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet injured his right shoulder on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets. Shamet reached out for the ball as he tried to stop Moussa Diabate from scoring a layup. The former Philadelphia 76ers guard suddenly slumped to the floor writhing in agony.
Shamet signed a non-fully guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract with the Knicks in the offseason. The six-year guard was on the roster for training camp only unless he played well enough to get a roster spot. Following the injury, he’s not making the team.
If the New York Knicks want to replace him, they will be looking for a player who can play under the veteran’s minimum.
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Players the New York Knicks could sign to take the place of the injured Landry Shamet
No. 5 Dennis Smith Jr.
The New York Knicks could turn to a familiar face for Landry Shamet’s replacement. Early in his career, Dennis Smith Jr. looked like he would become a star after finishing fifth in the 2018 Rookie of the Year race.
Smith eventually became a rotation player throughout his NBA career. He played 56 games last season for the Brooklyn Nets and averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals. The Knicks front office could give him another try.
No. 4 Furkan Korkmaz
Furkan Korkmaz is another shooting guard the New York Knicks might be interested in.
After playing seven seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in February. The Turkish international hardly saw action against Indiana’s guard-heavy rotation. He became an unrestricted free agent after the 2023-24 season.
Korkmaz isn’t known for his defense but can help space the floor with his shooting. He’s also a good passer who wouldn’t hesitate to make the right play.
No. 3 Markelle Fultz
Markelle Fultz is healthy and is an unrestricted free agent. He seemed to have resurrected his career with the Orlando Magic over the last two seasons but didn’t get an offer once his contract expired.
At a veteran’s minimum, the New York Knicks could make use of his playmaking and ability to put pressure on defenses with his drives.
No. 2 Reggie Bullock
Reggie Bullock hardly played last season with the Houston Rockets, as the team prioritized the development of their young players. Bullock is solid on defense and shot 40.3% from deep last season. He’s a playoff veteran who could provide depth to the New York Knicks’ backcourt and wings.
No. 1 Justin Holiday
Justin Holiday had a solid run with the Denver Nuggets last season. He had Nuggets coach Mike Malone’s trust even in the playoffs where he was a valuable 3-and-D contributor.
Holiday’s main assignment was to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player and launch the occasional 3-pointer on the other end.
Tom Thibodeau loves players who can defend, shoot and run the floor. Holiday has everything the Knicks coach look for in players.
