With a buff-looking build and a willingness to win by any means necessary, Landry Shamet is looking like one of the LA Clippers’ most intriguing players.
When Landry Shamet took a seat for his press conference at the LA Clippers’ Media Day, he looked noticeably different. Once regarded as a slender shooter, Shamet took the stage Sunday bearing beefier arms and a bulkier frame.
By the time his presser was over, Shamet had made a few things clear about his expectations for the 2019-2020 season.
First and foremost, he wants you to know that he isn’t just a shooter. Over the summer, he’s made strides to improve virtually every aspect of his game, including on the defensive side of the floor.
Last season, Shamet struggled on that end. He possessed the speed to keep players in front of him, and that helped him to close out as well. He had quick hands too, recording roughly a half a steal per game with LA. But other than that, there wasn’t much to be excited about. His defensive rating (or points allowed per 100 possessions) of 116 with the Clippers was tied with Avery Bradley for the worst mark on the team last season per Basketball-Reference.
That’s all behind him now, and superstar forward Paul George can vouch for that.
Just moments before Shamet began taking questions with Patrick Beverley, George named Shamet among the group of players that will make the LA Clippers’ defense “scary” in 2020. Coming from one of the best two-way wings in the NBA, that’s a pretty good compliment to receive.
The main reason why Sham will be worth watching, though, is because of his offensive game.
Rumors have been circulating for months that Shamet will be spending more time off the ball next season, and while he didn’t necessarily confirm that at Media Day, he didn’t deny it either.
It would make sense to see Shamet lined up at point every now and then. He showed plenty of potential at the position in college, averaging over five assists per game during his junior season at Wichita State.
At Media Day, he sounded confident in his ability to take on whichever role he is assigned on any given night.
“Whatever is needed of me I feel like I can do,” Shamet said Sunday. “And I expect that to change on a night-to-night basis. Those decisions are gonna be made by Doc… For me, I’m not too worried about how many minutes I’m going to play at this position or that. It’s more about just what’s needed of me.”
Obviously, Shamet isn’t going to be a completely different player in 2020. He’s still going to shoot the lights out, perhaps more efficiently than he was before, according to Patrick Beverley. And whether he plays on or off the ball, he should still be firing several three-pointers per game — most of which should be open looks, thanks to Kawhi Leonard and George’s gravity.
But here’s the thing. Even if Shamet comes back as the exact same player he was in 2019, the LA Clippers won’t be disappointed. If he adds to that and becomes a solid two-way guard with improved ability as a playmaker, then his potential in the league will rise significantly.
After converting 45.0 percent from three-point range with LA, it would be foolish to expect Shamet to take a significant step back next season as a shooter. And since he’ll be asked to bring other elements of his game to the floor, the only way Shamet is trending is up.
It’s hard to predict how much of an improvement Shamet will make in his second season, and that’s part of what’ll make his performances worth paying attention to. If he can continue to hold onto his starting role and become a complementary piece alongside the LA Clippers’ star forwards, Shamet could wind up on his own path to stardom before too long.