Landry Shamet speaks out after his injury as New York gears up for its final exhibition.
The Knicks played on Tuesday, trained on Wednesday, and will get ready to face the Wizards in Washington on Friday in their last preseason matchup before the real thing starts next Tuesday in Boston’s Ring Ceremony at the Lesser Garden.
It’s been a day full of waiting as we haven’t heard any news coming off New York’s headquarters regarding Landry Shamet’s injured shoulder, but we have gotten a few golden nuggets from Tom Thibodeau and some players ahead of Friday’s game.
Here’s the latest we’ve been able to fetch.
Tom Thibodeau
On Landry Shamet’s injury:
“We need the information first. I don’t wanna be premature. I wanna see what everyone has to say and then we go from there.
On what Shamet adds to the Knicks squad:
“I really liked the way [he plays], the speed and versatility, his ability to make plays off the dribble, to shoot the ball, to move without the ball, to read defenses, to understand what’s going on on the floor, and he helps bring the best out of everyone.
“He helps you execute, and I think that’s important.”
On Cam Payne’s hustle plays and their impact:
“You can’t help but learn from that. Those type of hustle plays, like they do nothing but unite and inspire the team. When a play like that happens, it brings energy to the group.
“We need a team full of guys willing to do that.”
On using an all-reserve team against the Hornets on Thursday:
“It’s important to settle on a rotation, but everyone has to stay ready.”
Josh Hart
On his versatility and role, and being labeled a “Swiss Army knife” by ESPN:
“Yeah, I can do a lot of things. I’ve got, what, four shots in three [preseason] games, and I’m still able to be effective, defending, rebounding.
“I think I had four or five assists in those games, just making the smart IQ plays. So I think that’s something that definitely fits.
“Whatever is needed that night I can kind of give. That’s what a Swiss Army knife is.”
On passing on shot opportunities:
“I don’t think I’ve been in position to get those shots. I don’t think I’ve turned down any shots. I just don’t think I’ve been in position where I’ve gotten open ones.”
On the starters getting a day off against the Charlotte Hornets:
“We have guys who are willing and able to step up when they need to.
“We have another opportunity and test Friday in DC. It’s a process of trying to get rhythm and learn everyone’s game.”
Jalen Brunson
On Tyler Kolek’s early outings:
“He doesn’t get sped up, and he’s a player who I’ve seen work tremendously hard on his game.
“He’s like one of those guys that is not really looking to prove you wrong, he’s just showing you why he belongs here. So I really like that mindset about him.”
On Landry Shamet’s untimely shoulder injury:
“It’s very tough. Obviously, we’re praying for the best for him. It’s a difficult situation to see, but every minute I’ve been able to talk to him and compete with him during this camp.
“Just seeing him from afar for the past six years, being in the same draft class, he’s been nothing but a great professional. So regardless of what happened, he’ll be back and I’m excited to see his growth, because he’s been great.”
On the Knicks’ next-man-up mentality:
“Regardless (of what happens in the future, including injuries), it’s always a next-man-up mentality. It’s something that I’ve seen here since I’ve been here. That doesn’t change, regardless of who’s out there.
“So I was really proud of what [the bench] did [Tuesday] night. We’re taking steps in the right direction. We just have to continue to build off that and not get complacent.”
On being ranked as the 2nd-best leader in the NBA by the League’s GMs:
“It does mean a lot. I appreciate it. It’s good company to be in.”
Cam Payne
On his approach to playing:
“Any game I go play I’m playing hard, all-out. That’s just my identity, my character. So if they see me do it, the old guy, obviously it’ll ignite them to do the same thing. But that’s how I approach every game.
On his determination to stay in the NBA:
“Absolutely. 100%.
“I’d say the biggest experience was me getting waived and going overseas and then my thing, I was just like, I’m never going back overseas.
“I credit getting on the floor, doing the little things that people don’t do. I just take that to the game every night. I don’t want to go back overseas. So that’s why I say that’s my identity. I’m going to go and play my heart out and do whatever I’ve got to do to help the team win.
“You kind of take little things for granted. Over there in China you’ve got to take your jerseys to the game, take your shoes. You know what I’m saying? Flying commercial. So I mean it’s just cool to be back in the league and just knowing things that can get taken away from you and it kind of sucks.
“But it was a humbling experience. And it got me back here and I know what it takes to stay here.”
Landry Shamet
On his shoulder injury:
“Appreciate all of the prayers and well wishes. This is just the next obstacle and to be afraid of an obstacle would go against everything that I am—I welcome them. I’m attacking this rehab. Back soon.”