NBA: Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Could Get Help From Underrated 3-Point Shooter This Season

The Clippers could make use of an underrated 3-point specialist to help Kawhi Leonard and Paul George this season.

Undeniably, today’s game involves a lot of 3-pont shooting and less physical contacts. Considering the amount of talent the Clippers have in their roster, it might sound crazy to say that a second-year role player Landry Shamet could be a great help for the team.

Shamet didn’t made much noise during his rookie season as he was drafted 26th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he managed to quickly find the role that will sustain him in the league. He added a sweet shooting touch and became an underrated off-ball threat to a Sixers team.

During Shamet’s days in Philly, the team desperately needed someone like him to augment the skill sets of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He immediately solidified a spot in the rotation, playing about 20 significant minutes a game while mostly coming off the bench.

He was one of several players suddenly traded to Los Angeles in exchange for Tobias Harris. Upon arriving at Los Angeles, Shamet didn’t miss a beat on the floor. In fact, many of his averages (minutes, three-point percentage, rebounds, and assists) significantly improved. He started most of the games after joining the team and played meaningful minutes especially during the Clippers’ short-lived playoff run.

Shamet, who averaged 9 points a game last season could be pivotal to the Clippers’ hopes of an NBA title. His shooting ability is as important as it has ever been in the NBA.

The 22-year-old shooter has already shown elite potential in becoming a legitimate 3-point threat. He was able to knock down threes at a 42% clip in his rookie year. Not to mention that he has been improving coming into his second year in the league.

With the Clippers set to accomplish their goal and win the franchise’s first ring ever, they will definitely need players like Shamet to perform all year, especially during the postseason. Thus far, Shamet hasn’t shown any reason to doubt that he can help Leonard and George by being some sort of a “secret weapon” coming off the bench.

In the past, a pure 3-point shooter has been proven to be essential to win an NBA championship. It will be remembered that LeBron James used to have guys who are specializing almost solely on the said skill during NBA Finals.