With so many players dropping out of Team USA contention, LA Clippers guard Landry Shamet may have a real shot at making the roster.
The LA Clippers may end up with a representative on Team USA when it’s all said and done. Guard Landry Shamet looks to have a real chance at making the roster.
Shamet was selected to participate at Team USA’s training camp in August as a member of the select team. With players dropping like flies from the roster though, he may be able to sneak in as an actual member.
As it stands, the most notable players are Kemba Walker, Khris Middleton and Donovan Mitchell. Several stars have dropped out of consideration as they try and prepare themselves for the new season.
Players a tier or two below have also foregone playing. J.J. Redick received an invitation, but declined as he and his family tried to get their move to New Orleans taken care of. This is where Shamet may get his chance.
The team could always use more shooting and with Redick declining the invitation, Shamet seems like the most logical choice. Not only is their play-style similar, Shamet learned directly from Redick when they were in Philadelphia for the first half of last season.
Shamet’s youth shouldn’t be a problem either, as he is older than both Tatum and Mitchell. The young guard can come in and provide shooting in bursts, should Team USA need it. He also can be an additional ball handler, but that is not a department this team is lacking in.
Shamet was selected as a Second Team All-Rookie member along with former teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He had an impressive rookie season in which he scored 9.1 points per game, shooting 42.2% from deep. He joined Stephen Curry as the only rookie to shoot over 42% from deep and to make over 160 three-pointers.
Competing in training camp will be a huge benefit to Shamet, but making the team would be even better. We’ll have to see if he has what it takes to join the Team USA roster.