Knicks Urged to Start Shamet Over Bridges Against Bulls

The Knicks have won three of their first seven games, including one against Chicago. With the Bulls next on the schedule, a lineup change could give New York a chance to shake up its struggling start: give Landry Shamet a temporary starting spot in Bridges’ place.

Bridges is averaging six points per game while shooting 31% from the field and 27% from three-point range. He has attempted four free throws in seven games. Shamet, despite playing fewer minutes, is shooting 44% overall and 46% from beyond the arc, and has taken three times as many free throws.

The Knicks’ other starters have also had shooting difficulties. New York’s reserves, with McBride, Clarkson, Alvarado and Shamet among them, have made 34 of 77 three-point attempts, a 44% rate. The rest of the team has hit 66 of 203, or 33%. The Knicks have also posted negative point differentials in the first and third quarters.

A starting role for Shamet could spread the team’s reliable outside shooting more evenly, while Bridges could bring his size and scoring ability to bench-heavy lineups. The proposed move would not require Bridges to miss a game or end his consecutive-games streak. It could be a short-term adjustment, rather than a permanent change to the rotation.