The New York Knicks are headed West, and will face the New Orleans Pelicans next at the Smoothie King Center. While lineup questions remain, one behind-the-scenes update has provided a dose of long-term optimism for New York.
As the Knicks continue to manage short-term absences across the rotation, a familiar name is trending in the right direction as the season moves deeper into its middle stretch.
Key Guard’s Rehab Clears Major Checkpoint
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Landry Shamet has resumed full on-court basketball activities as he works back from a shoulder injury.
Begley reported that Shamet is now progressing toward contact work, an important milestone in the rehab process. From the outset, the expectation was that Shamet would be able to fully recover without undergoing any procedures, and that outlook has not changed.
Barring any setbacks, the belief is that Shamet could return sometime next month.
While the Knicks have avoided attaching a firm date to his return, the nature of the update suggests his recovery is unfolding steadily rather than drifting into uncertainty.
Why the Timing Matters for New York
Shamet’s absence has not dominated headlines, but it has quietly shaped how New York has constructed its rotations.
Before going down, Shamet had earned early trust from head coach Mike Brown, starting multiple games and averaging just under 21 minutes per night across his first 15 appearances. He provided reliable perimeter shooting, composure, and an understanding of spacing that allowed lineups to function smoothly.
Since then, injuries elsewhere have pushed the Knicks to dig deeper into the roster. Rather than tightening the rotation, Brown has leaned into flexibility, allowing younger players to grow into meaningful roles.
That shift has changed the context Shamet will return to. Instead of being relied upon out of necessity, he can now re-enter the mix as an option . An experienced guard who fits without disrupting flow.
Depth Has Become a Strength for the Knicks
One of the most encouraging developments for the Knicks this season has been how they have handled adversity.
Rather than overextending core players like Jalen Brunson, New York has spread responsibility across the roster, trusting younger contributors like Tyler Kolek and Kevin McCullar. That approach has helped stabilize bench units and preserve consistency despite frequent lineup changes.
Shamet’s eventual return would add another functional piece to a rotation that has already shown it can adapt on the fly.
Final Word for the Knicks
The Knicks will look to secure their third straight win in New Orleans.
They’ll have to do it without Shamet for now, but with him moving closer to full clearance, the Knicks are positioning themselves to add another capable piece in 2026.
For a team that has survived by leaning into depth and adaptability, that kind of progress matters.
For now, the road trip continues. The rotation evolves. And New York keeps finding ways to stay steady.
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