Landry Shamet
By Joe DiProsperos
Landry Shamet has by far been the biggest surprise for the Sixers so far this season. I think a lot of fans were expecting him to try and fight for some borderline rotation minutes and spend a majority of the year in the G-League as well. A spot in the regular rotation and becoming almost a young, mini-JJ of sorts was something nobody saw coming.
He’s put together a compelling case for a spot on an All-Rookie team. Among all eligible rookies, he’s tops in 3-PT percent, second in threes-made per game, second in total threes, and is tied for 12th in points per game.
Philadelphia 76ers
So there’s no questioning his offensive game. His defense, on the other hand, leaves something to be desired. While’s he’s shown flashes of being at the very least a competent defender throughout the season, there have been times when opposing offenses will directly target him when he’s on the court.
He’s 6-foot-5, but he only tops out at 188 lbs, so he’s an easy target for opposing teams to attempt switches on and they most often succeed in getting more physically imposing players on him. His quickness could also use some improvement, so he can keep up with quicker guards.
My New Year’s Resolution for Landry is simple: beef up a little and really focus on defense.
He should just camp out at Dalessandro’s and feast on cheesesteaks. Shoot, he can even come over to my place and my dad can cook him up heaping mounds of his world-famous Chicken Parmesan.
I’m obviously playing, but improving his overall defensive game will be a must if Landry wants to remain in the regular rotation. Beef up, but not so much that his quickness becomes limited. He obviously has the necessary resources, and I have no doubt there will be improvement in the new year.