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Clippers’ Landry Shamet can use Paul George’s injury to his advantage

By Ryan Snellings

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 31: Landry Shamet #20 of the LA Clippers shoots over Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on December 31, 2019 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 31: Landry Shamet #20 of the LA Clippers shoots over Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on December 31, 2019 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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With Paul George likely to miss a few games for the LA Clippers, Landry Shamet can use the time in the starting lineup to get back into his groove.

During the LA Clippers’ win over the Detroit Pistons on January 2, Paul George left the game with left hamstring tightness. He is expected to miss at least a few games. This is the time for Landry Shamet to shine.

Shamet, who had a great rookie season, has not seemed to catch his groove this year. He started the season with a wrist injury and then missed 16 games due to an ankle sprain. While he has had four double-digit scoring games in the eight games since his return, it doesn’t seem like he has yet adjusted to his new role.

With the addition of Paul George, Shamet has been moved to the bench. Playing alongside Sixth Man of the Year contenders Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, Shamet hasn’t seen a lot of opportunities.

He was able to start the last game due to Patrick Beverley‘s injury but did not excel given he was primarily the point guard. Although Beverley isn’t back, he does look like he will be returning soon. Assuming Bev is able to come back before George, Shamet may finally have the chance to find his shot.

He’s shooting just 40.8% from three which is still a great percentage but is noticeably down from his 45.0% last season. His field goal attempts are down from 8.4 last season to 6.8 this year. However, in his first 10 games of the season, while PG was out, he was getting 7.7 attempts.

Shamet had a ton of open looks to start the year while George was still recovering from shoulder surgery, but was unable to knock them down due to the aforementioned wrist injury. If he is able to get those same looks while George is out this time around, it could do a lot to boost his confidence. If he can get his groove back, the Clippers will have another terrifying scoring option to put alongside their superstars.

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While having PG miss more time is obviously not ideal, Landry Shamet can use this opportunity to get himself back to the level Clipper Nation knows he can play at.

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