Landry Shamet, a name often associated with sharpshooting and consistent effort, has carved out a respectable niche for himself in the NBA since being drafted 26th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. While not a flashy, highlight-reel player, Shamet’s value lies in his reliability, his understanding of his role, and his willingness to do the little things to contribute to a team’s success.
Shamet’s journey in the league has been somewhat nomadic. After a promising start with the Sixers, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through his rookie season as part of the Tobias Harris trade. The Clippers offered him a bigger role and more opportunities to showcase his offensive capabilities. He flourished in Los Angeles, demonstrating his ability to space the floor effectively and make smart decisions with the ball.
However, Shamet’s time with the Clippers was relatively short-lived. In November 2020, he was traded again, this time to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a multi-team deal. The Nets, boasting a star-studded roster of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, presented a different challenge for Shamet. He was asked to embrace a more defined role as a spot-up shooter and secondary ball-handler. While his scoring numbers dipped slightly, he proved his adaptability by seamlessly integrating into the Nets’ offensive system and maintaining his shooting efficiency.
Following his stint in Brooklyn, Shamet found himself on the move once more, this time landing with the Phoenix Suns in the summer of 2021. In Phoenix, he’s provided a consistent scoring punch off the bench and a steady hand in the backcourt. He’s proven to be a valuable asset in their pursuit of a championship. Shamet’s ability to knock down open shots created by Chris Paul and Devin Booker has been a crucial component of the Suns’ offensive attack.
What makes Shamet valuable isn’t just his shooting. He possesses a high basketball IQ and makes smart, unselfish plays. He understands spacing, moves well without the ball, and rarely forces the issue. Defensively, he’s a willing and capable defender who gives maximum effort. He may not be a lockdown perimeter stopper, but he holds his own and understands team defensive concepts.
Shamet’s journey is a testament to the importance of role players in the NBA. While superstars grab the headlines, players like Shamet provide the crucial support needed to win games and contend for championships. His ability to adapt to different roles and team environments, coupled with his consistent effort and reliable shooting, has made him a valuable asset to every team he’s played for. He may not be a household name, but Landry Shamet is a proven NBA player who contributes significantly to winning basketball.