Landry

Shamet

While there were reports that multiple teams had interest in offering Shamet a deal when free agency opens on Tuesday night, he’s decided to remain in New York. He’ll receive an average of $6 million per year, which leaves the front office some room to work with as they look to follow owner James Dolan’s directive to avoid the second apron. Shamet was not a consistently impactful fantasy option, but he came up big for the Knicks when they needed him most, including shooting 11-of-12 from three in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Fresh off the franchise’s first NBA title in 53 years, the Knicks’ focus has turned to the roster makeup for 2026-27. While Dolan made it clear that he’s fine with writing a check to account for entering the luxury tax, that isn’t the case for the second apron. “If we could bring back the whole team, exactly as it is, why wouldn’t you? But I don’t know if we’re going to be able to, contractually,” Dolan said. “We’re willing to stretch, right. There’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do. One of them is called the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron. That’s up to Leon (Rose)...I’ll write as big of a check as possible, but I can’t write a check that goes into the second apron.” This is important because two rotation players, Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet, are among the Knicks who will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the month. And Jose Alvarado, who was critical in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, has a $4.5 million player option. The Knicks barely avoided the second apron this season; this task becomes even more challenging this summer.

Shamet came off the bench and lit up the Cavaliers for 16 points on six attempts. He was 11-of-12 from behind the three-point line in the Knicks’ four-game sweep of the Cavaliers. Shamet has certainly opened some eyes with his shooting in this series and should continue to play 15-20 minutes per game in the NBA Finals.

After offering limited production as OG Anunoby’s replacement in the starting lineup for Game 3, McBride was outstanding in Sunday’s series clincher. Deuce shot 7-of-9 from beyond the arc, sinking one fewer three pointer than the 76ers did as a team. McBride led the Knicks in scoring, while Landry Shamet contributed 12 points and four three-pointers in 11 minutes off the bench. What their roles will be in the conference finals depends on Anunoby’s hamstring, which he strained late in Game 2.

Anunoby is set to miss his second consecutive game in this series after injuring his hamstring in the fourth quarter of Game 2. The Knicks won Game 3 without him and with a 3-0 lead in the series can be cautious with the 28-year-old small forward’s injury. Miles McBride could start again in Game 4 with Landry Shamet seeing additional minutes off the bench in Anunoby’s absence.

Injured during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ Game 2 victory, Anunoby did not play in Friday’s win that gave New York a 3-0 series lead. Miles McBride moved into the starting lineup, and Anunoby’s absence also meant more opportunities for Landry Shamet, who scored 15 points off the bench. Look for those two to continue in those roles for Game 4 if Anunoby remains out.

On a night when the Knicks were without OG Anunoby (hamstring), Shamet stepped up with his most productive game of these playoffs. He didn’t start Game 3, with Miles McBride (three points, two assists, two blocks and one three-pointer) receiving the nod, but Shamet was more productive and logged 27 minutes to Deuce’s 21. With New York now leading the series three games to none, there’s little need for them to force anything regarding Anunoby’s hamstring. Don’t be surprised if they stick with the same rotation of McBride and Shamet for Game 4.

Hart sprained his left thumb during the second half of Wednesday’s Game 2 victory, returning to action after a trip to the locker room for a tape job. If he’s unable to play on Friday, the Knicks may have to rely more on Landry Shamet, who has been out of the rotation for most of the postseason.

Anunoby has been on a roll recently, with his play among the reasons the Knicks have looked like the team best equipped to come out of the East. However, there is now a serious injury concern, as the versatile forward pulled up lame and asked out of Wednesday’s victory with about three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Anunoby was seen reaching for his right hamstring, and while the team had no information after the game, this is a concern. Anunoby suffered a strained hamstring during Game 2 of the Knicks’ 2024 second-round series against the Pacers, with his return for Game 7 lasting a few minutes before needing to exit. Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet are potential replacements in the starting lineup if Anunoby has to miss time.

Anunoby sprained his left ankle during the third quarter of Saturday’s series-opening win over the Hawks. The good news was that the Knicks’ wing returned to the game after a brief period on the bench, and Anunoby participated fully in Sunday’s practice. According to Knicks head coach Mike Brown, Anunoby is “good to go” for Game 2. If there are any issues, Landry Shamet and Miles McBride are potential replacements in the starting lineup.