Thunderous Intentions
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2018 NBA Draft: Landry Shamet offers Harden-esque capabilities for OKC

By Benjamin McCoy

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Landry Shamet poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Landry Shamet poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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GREENVILLE, NC – JANUARY 11: Wichita State Shockers guard Landry Shamet (11) attempts a three point shot over East Carolina Pirates guard Shawn Williams (55) during a game between the East Carolina Pirates and the Wichita State Shockers at Williams Arena-Minges Coliseum in Greenville, NC on January 11, 2018. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
GREENVILLE, NC – JANUARY 11: Wichita State Shockers guard Landry Shamet (11) attempts a three point shot over East Carolina Pirates guard Shawn Williams (55) during a game between the East Carolina Pirates and the Wichita State Shockers at Williams Arena-Minges Coliseum in Greenville, NC on January 11, 2018. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Awards and honors:

  • 2017-18 Wooden Award – Preseason
  • 2017-18 Wooden Award – Midseason
  • First-team All-MVC (2017)
  • MVC Freshman of the Year (2017)First-team All-AAC (2018)

Pro comparison:

The Ringers Kevin O’Connor compares Shamet to Kevin Martin, Denzel Valentine and Seth Curry.

Although I could see it as a worst case scenario, I like to be little more optimistic about these comparisons. Moreover, as long as he stays healthy, I can’t imagine him being that bad. And although Kevin Martin was pretty solid in his prime he was nothing more than a volume shooter. The only place I can see that comparison is on the defensive side of the ball.

Assuming health, I would place Landry Shamet somewhere between Evan Fournier and George Hill with and Thunder fans will like this, a little bit of James Harden. Shamet has all the tools to be an elite point guard in this league on the offensive end. And the length and athleticism to become a good defender.

He is a knockdown 3-point shooter, really good passer, very talented finisher and moves great without the ball. In reality very few make it, but I have a gut feeling this guy will.

Current ranking:

ESPN/DraftExpress: 49th

The Ringer: 48th

Draft Net: 27th

CBS Sports: 39th

Sports Illustrated: 50th

Bleacher Report: 46th

Basketball Insider: 43rd

Sporting News: 34th

Fit with OKC Thunder:

Although Landry Shamet is slatted to go anywhere between 27th-50th in the upcoming NBA draft, there’s a good chance he falls due to his injury history. And if he does OKC fans should be absolutely giddy to get a player so good so late.

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Despite suffering two foot injuries in college, Shamet made it all the way through last season healthy. He is the guy OKC fans have been dying to see next to Russ since well, Harden. Sorry, I know that one still stings, but if Shamet can stay healthy, the sky is the limit.

Now I’m not going to go and say Landry Shamet is the next James Harden, but he fills a void. A painful one that has been attempted to be filled by ball-dominant guards like Reggie Jackson, or guys who simply can’t shoot. And while he isn’t flawless he sure beats Randy Foye.

Shamet has the size at nearly 6’5″ and the length at almost 6’7″ to play both guard spots. And while he’ll need to bulk up a little to defend at an NBA level, the defense wasn’t the problem in this year’s disappointing first-round playoff exit.

Shamet is an absolute sniper from 3-point range with a tight handle and the ability to finish in traffic. And while his natural position is the point, he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. He moves wonderfully without the ball, cutting and coming off screens often finding himself with a wide open three.

Of course, a small chunk of his minutes would be relegated to backup point guard duties, but he is also uniquely qualified to play next to Westbrook. So keep your fingers crossed Thunder fans, Presti may once again pull off a draft day miracle.

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