Landry Shamet of the LA Clippers apparently caught Kevin Durant’s eye during their game on Sunday night.
After the LA Clippers’ loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, Kevin Durant described Landry Shamet as “an amazing young player that will be a force in this league for a while.”
Kevin Durant had high praise for Landry Shamet after Landry's first-half performance and KD having to check him in the second half. pic.twitter.com/84u68J88HG
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 8, 2019
In his 22nd start on the team, Shamet knocked down 5/6 three-point attempts, ending the game with 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and a block. The Clippers ultimately lost 131-104, but Shamet still managed to impress the former MVP.
Back in January, when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers, Shamet sank 8 three’s in a game, setting the franchise record for most three’s made by a rookie. Just two months later he set the same franchise record for the Clippers by draining 7 shots from beyond the arc. Going beyond these two records, Shamet has made 164 three’s this season. He has forced his way into the conversation for both the NBA’s top rookies and top shooters. It’s great to see a rookie with such high potential receive praise from one of the NBA’s best players.
This wasn’t the first time Durant complimented one of the Clippers’ young guards. Back in December, Durant told Bill Simmons that when it came to the NBA’s 2018 rookie class, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stood out most to him. Durant’s contract with the Warriors includes a player option for next season. Should he opt out, he could join forces with SGA and Shamet in LA. A similar situation occurred last summer when LeBron James joined the Lakers after giving attention to Lonzo Ball during his rookie season.
The Clippers have successfully rebuilt their team around younger, less expensive talent. Durant would be joining a roster that reached nearly 50 wins this season despite not having a single current or former All-Star. On top of that, the front office would be able to offer Durant a similar or even bigger contract than what he has with the Warriors. If Durant wants a change of scenery, the Clippers would be a great team to consider joining this summer.