Last year was new for Landry Shamet.
It was different.
For the first time in his six-year NBA career, he didn’t reach the playoffs.
Traded to the Wizards in the Bradley Beal deal prior to the season, he was part of one of the league’s worst teams.
NBA preseason game. NBAE via Getty Images
So when the opportunity arose to join the Knicks, even on a partially guaranteed, one-year deal, he jumped at the chance.
“I want to win, I want to compete, we all do. Anybody in the NBA that says otherwise is lying,” the 6-foot-4 guard told The Post. “We all want to compete at the highest level. It’s exciting to be here. Last year was last year. It was what it was. I’m excited to be here and move forward and build with this group.”
The 27-year-old Shamet wasn’t guaranteed a roster spot entering training camp, but he quickly made a positive impression on Tom Thibodeau.
In Sunday’s preseason opener against the Hornets, he was part of the second unit, scoring 16 points and hitting four 3-pointers in 26 minutes off the bench.
For now, it looks like he will have a role with the contending Knicks.
“Obviously what they’re building here, we’ve watched it for a couple of years now, reaching a good level last year,” said Shamet, who averaged 7.1 points on 43 percent shooting in 15.8 minutes across 46 games last year for the Wizards. “Trying to win, trying to compete at the highest level, that excited me. As it does everybody in this room. That’s the biggest piece for sure. I just wanted to be a part of it.”
The former first-round pick out of Wichita State has been a quality role player on contenders throughout his career as a 38.4 percent 3-point shooter.
during the game against the Charlotte Hornets. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks hope he can provide similar contributions for them.
Another positive for Shamet in joining the Knicks was there was a level of familiarity, having played with Cam Payne and Mikal Bridges in Phoenix from 2021-23.
“It’s awesome, man,” he said. “It’s cool to be back in the locker room with them, two of the best teammates anybody can have. Good energy, good guys. I spent a couple of years with both of them, so to be back here with them is pretty cool, too.”
The Knicks signed former Northwestern star Boo Buie to an Exhibit 10 contract on Monday, the team announced.
Buie played with the Suns during the NBA Summer League.
— Additional reporting by Stefan Bondy
