Observations from the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2018 preseason action

Landry Shamet

If you have yet to buy stock in one Landry Shamet, there is still time.

With injuries to both Jerryd Bayless and Wilson Chandler, and with Zhaire Smith out for an extended period of time, Shamet has gotten an ample amount of playing time this preseason, and has not disappointed in the slightest. Against the Orlando Magic, he tallied 12 points on 3-6 shooting (2-4 from deep) in 19 minutes of action, then proceeded to rain in 18 points on 6-11 shooting (3-7 from deep) in 24 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks.

The 26th overall pick in this past year’s draft has made a very strong case for a spot in the regular rotation. His off-ball movement is superb, he can shoot both spotting up and off the dribble, and he can put the ball on the floor to attack closeouts or pull-up for mid-range jumpers.

There have been concerns about whether or not he has the physicality to be an able defender, but thus far he’s held his own, and frankly, with the defensive make-up of this team as a whole, his defensive shortcomings can easily be shielded.

With the departure of Marco Belinelli in the offseason, there was a clear need for another sharpshooter off the bench to supplement the likes of J.J. Redick. Shamet, whom Redick has become somewhat of a mentor to, could easily fill the void left by Belinelli, and probably brings much more to the table than the latter as far as skill set goes.

It might get complicated once Bayless, Chandler, and Smith all return from injury, so how the Sixers decide to utilize Shamet down the road is definitely something to keep an eye on.