What Is the Landry Shamet Curse? Latest Knicks Signing’s Concerning Jinx Has New York Worried

The Knicks have signed Landry Shamet to a one-year deal. So far, the NY side has had a successful offseason. Mikal Bridges joined his former Villanova teammates as their offense grew even stronger. Shamet’s addition undeniably adds more depth. The shooting guard has averaged just under 9 points with a 38.4% efficiency from beyond the arc. But as useful as he may be, the Knicks don’t seem to be aware of the Landry Shamet Curse! While you might be wondering what it is, most of it has to do with his playoff resume.

Landry Shamet was drafted as the 26th overall pick by the Sixers in the 2018 NBA Draft. As a rookie, he was traded to the Clippers where he’d make his first playoff appearance. While the LA side faced a first-round exit against the Warriors, despite being up 3-1 in the series, his postseason future was about to be cursed. Unfortunately, the shooting guard has never played past the second round of the playoffs!

In fact, this jinx also affected the franchise that drafted him in the first place, as the Sixers lost to the Raptors in the 2019 Eastern Conference semi-finals. The following year, Shamet played alongside KD in the Nets, as they faced the Bucks in the second round.

As history would repeat itself, the Nets would face an unfortunate second-round defeat, despite being the championship favorites! Then, in 2022, Shamet suited up in Phoenix, as they played Luka Doncic and the Mavs after a 4-2 win over the Pels in the first round.

Again, Landry’s side were favorites to close the series. However, Doncic had other plans and the Slovenian dominated the 7-game series to eliminate the Suns. And in the next season, Denver beat Phoenix to eventually win the title.

For the most part, this weirdly deemed curse has a consistent trajectory which is noticeable. On the other hand, the Knicks have been in a similar spot for the last two years. Jalen Brunson and Co. have not been able to get past the second round for two consecutive seasons.

While Landry Shamet is a great catch-and-shoot player and will complement the likes of DiVincenzo, Hart, and Robinson, will their situation improve or remain the same with his addition?

The Knicks’ ONE problem could re-ignite ‘the Landry Shamet Curse’

At this point, the Knicks have a dominant offensive roster. You name it; they have it all! Brunson, Bridges, Randle, Anunoby, DiVincenzo, Hart, Shamet, and many more. There is no doubt that the squad is all set to get buckets. However, the Knicks lost their center, Isaiah Hartenstein, this offseason. Now, the reason why it is a big loss for the Knicks is because the squad lacks size and defense in the paint. While this can be neglected during the regular season, the Knicks might suffer in the playoffs, again.

Going up against teams like the Sixers and the Celtics, missing a reliable center from the roster might cost them a possible title run. And before we know it, the Knicks might face another disappointing playoff exit. But it will be interesting to see whether the NY side can pull some strings during the season in order to introduce a big man to the lineup. What are your thoughts? Do you think the Knicks will experience this so-called ‘curse’? Let us know below.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.