Landry Shamet’s Remarkable Recovery Sparks Hope for Knicks
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet has recently offered a promising update on his shoulder recovery, marking his first public comments since suffering a dislocation on November 22. Speaking before the Knicks faced off against the San Antonio Spurs, Shamet confirmed that he has been cleared for basketball activities. However, he is still waiting for the go-ahead to engage in contact drills, with eyes set on a possible return in January.
Comparing Injuries and Recovery
In his remarks, Shamet drew a stark comparison between his two shoulder injuries. The first dislocation, which occurred in October 2024, left a lasting impact; he described the pain as feeling “like being shot.” When he dislocated his shoulder again nearly six weeks ago against Orlando, he noted, “Not quite like getting shot in the arm, a few steps down.” This statement reflects his belief that the recent injury was less severe than the first, a distinction that influenced his decision to pursue an aggressive rehabilitation plan rather than opting for season-ending surgery. This choice keeps the door open for a mid-season return, which Shamet remains hopeful about.
Accelerated Recovery Process
The 28-year-old shooter attributes his swift recovery to the successful non-surgical rehabilitation he underwent last season. “You never really know,” Shamet explained. “I had a lot of confidence in the rehab I did last year, and I was able to start doing things sooner in the rehab process than I kind of expected this time.” This experience has reinforced his belief in the importance of proper rehabilitation and taking care of his body, which has been pivotal in boosting his confidence during recovery.
Currently, Shamet is back on the court, participating in shooting drills and full-on basketball activities. However, the final hurdle remains: clearance for contact. Until then, he continues to focus on his rehabilitation.
Choosing Rehabilitation Over Surgery
When discussing the possibility of surgery, Shamet was unequivocal in his approach. “My intention was to rehab and get this thing right,” he stated. The decision to commit to rehabilitation was clear from the start, without any lingering doubts or second-guessing. His previous shoulder dislocation required about ten weeks of recovery before he could return to action, positioning him for an even quicker comeback this time around.
Gratitude for Organizational Support
With his non-guaranteed contract set to become fully guaranteed on January 10, Shamet expressed appreciation for the Knicks’ unwavering support throughout his recovery. “That’s great to know. No complaints with the organization; they’ve been great,” he said. “The support staff and everybody involved, they’re committed, they’ve been great, and they’ve been working closely with me.”
As January 7 approaches, the Knicks will need to make a decision on Shamet’s future, weighing whether to retain the defensive specialist for their playoff push or release him. The organization’s backing has been crucial for Shamet as he navigates this challenging period, and his return could prove pivotal for the Knicks as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
