On Saturday, the Knicks cut their roster ahead of the deadline. Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews competed for the final spot. This came after Malcolm Brogdon surprised everyone by retiring on Wednesday.
Analysts and experts expected Brogdon to play a key role as the team’s backup point guard behind Jalen Brunson. However, his sudden decision opened the door for Shamet to return for a second season with the Knicks.
Radical decisions are reshaping the team
According to the New York Post, Mathews did not play on Friday when the franchise defeated the Hornets 113-108 at Madison Square Garden in the preseason finale. Shamet played only 20 minutes but scored 11 points.
“It’s been a competitive camp, and I’ll tell you, everyone we’ve had here deserves a spot. So it’s going to be tough… but we’ll make the decision because we have to,” coach Mike Brown said after the game.
The Knicks have waived wing Garrison Mathews
Landry Shamet is expected to make the roster now pic.twitter.com/wW1D4mNwhd— Knicks Lead (@KnicksLead) October 18, 2025
Shamet missed the start of last season due to a shoulder injury. Still, he averaged 5.7 points and shot 39.7 percent from three-point range over 50 regular season games.
Both Shamet and Mathews excel at three-point shooting, but Shamet’s defense and experience gave him the edge. Shamet plays primarily as a shooting guard, which will place more responsibility on Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek at point guard when Brunson sits.
The Knicks might make another unexpected cut. Could it be Shamet? It’s unclear, but the team could start the season with 13 players. In two weeks, they must complete the necessary moves to enter the new season with a strengthened roster.
