How are the Knicks’ final decisions regarding the title now… and for the future

The New York Knicks have officially completed their 2025-26 preseason. Shortly after his last preseason game, c The Knicks announced that they have released Garrison Matthewsas well as several other players. At the same time, and in connection with The unexpected retirement of Malcolm BrogdonNew York made a decision to stick with Landry Shamet.

Now the Knicks bench is seemingly set as it prepares for opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. But New York’s roster decisions accomplish more than that prepare them for success this season. They also ensure depth and continuity in future seasons.

Why keeping Landry Shamet was the right move for this season

Giving up Alex Len and Matt Ryan was probably mildly difficult. But firing Matthews was likely a challenging decision for the Knicks. Matthews is a 3-point threat. He increased it to seven of his 1741% 3-point attempts in four preseason games. But Shamet can also shoot. He made 39.7% of his 3-point attempts last season and has a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.5%.

But Shamet staying on the team was probably about more than whether he was a better scorer than Matthews. Shamet is loved by his teammates. He brought a unique strength and resilience to the 2025 playoffs, demonstrating the ability to defend in some of the most critical moments. And he accepted his role with pleasure. These are all important attributes for a player.

So the Knicks are pretty set in terms of depth. Coach Mike Brown plans to use nine or 10 guys. Most nights, Shamet will be the team’s 10th man – although he could be jumped by Tyler Kolek or Pacome Dadiet in the rotation. Assuming New York’s roster is mostly healthy, Shamet should have a consistent role in most games.

Keeping the younger players above Garrison Matthews was the right move

Having a second shooter is usually desirable regardless of who else is on the team. Matthews would further ensure that the Knicks can put shooters on the floor at all times. But keeping him would mean moving someone like Kolek or Dadiet for nothing. So while the shooting is great. Keeping a Sagittarius as your 11th man is less desirable when it involves taking advantage of your future.

Granted, Kolek, Dadiet, Ariel Huckporty and Mohamed Diawara will all play limited minutes – unless disaster strikes. And no one seems to have star potential. But keeping young players relatively affordable is always a best practice for competitors. Affordability alone is highly desirable, as keeping an NBA-caliber player making less than $3 million allows you to fill your roster with players who are additive in practice and, sometimes, in game situations.

But there is also an element of development. Competing against Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson will make Kolek, Dadiet, Huckporty and Diavar better. And given their current mental makeup and willingness to tackle and do whatever it takes, it’s fair to assume at least one will develop into long-term form.

Developing homegrown talent that way is always better than overpaying a free agent or chasing older, established players who want to chase championships. Of course, adding those guys helps, too. But all good teams need a balance of youth and veterans. And the youth of the Knicks are just getting into their careers where they can actually play.

The Knicks roster is well built and has a lot of talent and versatility. And while top talent is paramount, retaining younger players provides added flexibility now and in the future. And flexibility is key, whether it’s chasing another star player via trade — Giannis Antetokounmpo, for example — or looking for its first championship in more than 50 years. Therefore, the management of the Knicks deserves praise, because they successfully navigated this challenging decision. Now it has to materialize on the basketball court.