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NBA Draft: Landry Shamet’s three-point shooting enticing to Blazers

By Nate Mann

WICHITA, KS - MARCH 04: Wichita State Shockers guard Landry Shamet (11) in the first half of an American Athletic Conference matchup between the 10th ranked Cincinnati Bearcats and 11th ranked Wichita State Shockers on March 4, 2018 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS - MARCH 04: Wichita State Shockers guard Landry Shamet (11) in the first half of an American Athletic Conference matchup between the 10th ranked Cincinnati Bearcats and 11th ranked Wichita State Shockers on March 4, 2018 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Landry Shamet, a three-point shooter from Wichita State, plans on working out with the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the NBA Draft.

The Blazers began its pre-draft workouts Friday, hosting a total of 12 NBA Draft prospects over two days. One prospect not at the workouts but likely to get one soon is Landry Shamet.

Shamet, a 6’4″ combo guard, played three seasons at Wichita State. He averaged 14.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.6 three-pointers in 31.7 minutes per game. He shot 49% from the field, 44% from three, and 83% from the free throw line.

Jason Quick of NBC Sports Northwest tweeted Portland’s intentions to workout Shamet.

Offense

Happy Walters, Shamet’s agent, claims his client is the best shooter in the draft. The Wichita State guard shot 44% from deep, better than any other prospect the Blazers have expressed interest in.

He’s capable of shooting off the dribble, especially when stepping behind screens. Coming off the bench, Shamet could get plenty of open looks around Ed Davis screens.

Portland lacked consistent three-point shooting from its reserves. If Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton leave in free agency, that leaves the Blazers backups without an outside threat.

Defense

However, questions surround Landry Shamet’s defense.

He’s quick on his feet, but lacks the body to properly defend NBA-level guards. At 6’4″, Shamet is roughly the same height as Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who struggle to stick with bigger guards that are becoming more popular in today’s NBA.

Also, Shamet weighs 180 pounds, less than both Lillard and McCollum. On drives, opposing players can bump him off the ball for easier down-low buckets.

Fit with Blazers

Another undersized guard is the last thing this team need. While the Blazers played better defense this season, that doesn’t warrant passing on 3-and-D players for a someone like Shamet.

He’s working on improving his defense with Sacramento Kings rookie De’Aaron Fox in weeks prior to the draft. Still, Portland can find an established defending guard rather than a defensive project.

Related Story: De'Anthony Melton possibly best guard for Blazers in draft

Forty-four percent three-point shooting is enticing, especially after that playoff series when no one could hit a shot. There are too many options around pick No. 24 who can contribute on both ends of the floor, though.

Plus, as most Blazers fans have pointed out, the team needs a forward, not a 6’4″ guard.