The New York Knicks have kept most of their championship-winning roster together as they prepare to defend their NBA title next season.
According to Peter Sblendorio of The New York Daily News, New York retained 10 of the 11 players who averaged the most minutes per game during last season’s championship campaign.
Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson all agreed to return to the Knicks in free agency, providing continuity in the team’s backcourt rotation.
The three veterans reportedly had opportunities to pursue larger contracts and more prominent roles with other organizations but chose to remain in New York.
Shamet explained that the team’s willingness to prioritize winning over individual playing time played an important role in his decision.
“We want to win for each other,” Shamet said. “We’re willing to take on different roles and know that we’ve got each other’s back.
“If Jose’s got it going and my minutes are shortened, awesome, and vice versa. I’ve been … a broken record about it, but you don’t see that.
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“From a backup guard position, that’s very rare, where no ego or ulterior motives get involved. That’s something special that you want to be a part of.”
