NBA Notes: Knicks, Landry Shamet, Nets, Spurs, Julian Champagnie

Knicks

Landry Shamet is making a pretty strong case for a larger role.

Kento Kato of Sports Illustrated points out that Shamet has scored 23 points in just 27 preseason minutes while shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 5-of-9 from 3-point range.

That matters because Shamet entered camp with some real questions after signing a four-year, $24 million extension.

If the hot shooting continues, Kato argues that Shamet could push for more sixth-man minutes and potentially change how the Knicks view Miles McBride’s role.

It’s only preseason, of course. But Shamet has done enough to make the conversation worth having.

Nets

Brooklyn has given its believers something to feel good about.

The Nets opened the preseason 2-0, including a 34-point win over Charlotte and a victory over Philadelphia in LeBron James’ preseason debut.

Ivan White of Sports Illustrated argues that the more encouraging part has been the development of Brooklyn’s young players and the immediate impact of its new additions.

The Nets are still widely expected to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Two preseason wins don’t change that. But they’ve at least given themselves something positive to build on before the real games begin.

Spurs

Julian Champagnie might not start as often this season.

That apparently won’t change much about how he approaches his job.

“I feel like he’s a Swiss Army Knife,” Dylan Harper said, via Matt Guzman of Sports Illustrated. “He gives you whatever you need.”

Champagnie started 68 games last season, but San Antonio’s deeper roster could push him back toward the bench.

He doesn’t sound bothered.

“I think we all have one goal … to win,” Champagnie said. “However we get there is however we get there.”

Coach Mitch Johnson has praised Champagnie’s willingness to fill whatever role is needed.

“Julian’s done whatever’s asked of him,” Johnson said.

Champagnie’s own explanation is even simpler.

“I just like being here,” he said. “Whatever the team needs me to do, that’s how I’m going to do it.”