Landry Shamet has carved out a niche in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a reliable perimeter shooter and a valuable backcourt presence. From his collegiate days at Wichita State to his stops with multiple NBA franchises, Shamet’s career has been defined by his consistent shooting stroke and his ability to contribute as a complementary player. This article delves into his journey, analyzing his strengths, statistical evolution, recent trends, and future outlook in the demanding landscape of professional basketball.
Understanding Landry Shamet’s Game: A Definitive Profile
Landry Shamet, born on March 13, 1997, is an American professional basketball player known primarily for his proficiency as a three-point shooter. Standing at 6’4″ with a reported near 7′ 0″ wingspan, he possesses good size for a guard, allowing him to shoot over defenders and contribute defensively. Drafted 26th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Shamet quickly established himself as a valuable floor spacer.
His game is built around his exceptional shooting ability. He can shoot comfortably off the catch, coming off screens, and even in pull-up situations. Beyond his shooting, Shamet demonstrates a high basketball IQ, often making smart passes and understanding offensive sets.
While not an elite playmaker or primary ball-handler, he effectively operates in pick-and-roll situations, leveraging his shooting gravity to create opportunities for teammates. Defensively, he’s a willing and tenacious defender, utilizing his length to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes.
The Evolution of a Sharpshooter: Career Milestones and Statistics
Shamet’s NBA career has seen him play for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and most recently, the New York Knicks. Each stop has added layers to his game and provided different roles.
Collegiate Success at Wichita State
Before entering the NBA, Shamet had a successful collegiate career at Wichita State University. After redshirting his freshman year due to a foot injury, he quickly became the team’s starting point guard. In his redshirt freshman season (2016-17), he averaged 11.4 points and 3.3 assists per game, earning First-team All-MVC and MVC Freshman of the Year honors.
His sophomore year (2017-18) saw him further elevate his game, averaging 14.9 points and 5.2 assists per game, leading the AAC in several categories, including assists per game, true shooting percentage, and offensive box plus/minus. He was named to the First-team All-AAC. His performance, particularly his elite shooting (44.2% from three-point range in college), put him firmly on NBA radars.
NBA Journey: From Rookie Impact to Veteran Presence
Philadelphia 76ers (2018-2019): Shamet made an immediate impact as a rookie, showcasing his shooting prowess. In 54 games with the 76ers, he shot 40.4% from beyond the arc.
Los Angeles Clippers (2019-2020): Midway through his rookie season, Shamet was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He quickly found his rhythm, notably hitting a game-winning three-pointer in a historic 31-point comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 playoffs. He played a significant role for the Clippers as a floor spacer.
Brooklyn Nets (2020-2021): Shamet’s time with the Nets saw him continue to be a key offensive contributor, especially in a system that emphasized three-point shooting. He averaged 9.3 points per game in his single season there.
Phoenix Suns (2021-2023): With the Suns, Shamet was part of a contending team, often providing instant offense off the bench. He had career-high scoring nights, including tying a franchise record with 9 three-pointers made in a single game in December 2022.
Washington Wizards (2023-2024): In June 2023, Shamet was part of a significant trade that sent him to the Washington Wizards as part of the Bradley Beal deal. He averaged 7.1 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 46 games for the Wizards in the 2023-24 season, playing a career-low 15.8 minutes per contest.
New York Knicks (2024-Present): Shamet signed with the New York Knicks in September 2024. After being initially waived due to a preseason shoulder injury, he re-signed with the Knicks in December 2024.
As of May 2025, he has been a veteran presence on the Knicks, seeing limited minutes but contributing when called upon, especially during critical playoff moments. For the 2024-25 regular season with the Knicks, he averaged 5.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 50 games. In the 2025 playoffs, he averaged 0.4 points in 7 games.
Dissecting Shamet’s Skill Set
The Art of the Jumper: How Landry Shamet Shoots
Landry Shamet’s shooting form is often highlighted for its fluidity and quick release, making him a dangerous offensive weapon. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of common elements in his shooting mechanics:
Preparation: Shamet often gets his feet set quickly, facing the rim with a slight staggered stance or square alignment, ensuring balance. His base is solid, providing a strong foundation for the shot.
Gather: As he catches the ball, he gathers it smoothly into his shooting pocket, typically around chest height. There’s minimal wasted motion, allowing for a swift transition into the shot.
Elbow In: A hallmark of good shooting, Shamet consistently keeps his shooting elbow tucked in directly under the ball. This ensures a straight line to the basket and prevents the ball from drifting.
High Release Point: He releases the ball at a high point, making it difficult for defenders to block his shot. This is especially effective given his 6’4″ height and long wingspan.
Follow-Through: After releasing, his wrist snaps forward, and his hand follows through, pointing towards the basket. This consistent follow-through is crucial for backspin and accuracy.
Leg Drive: Shamet utilizes his legs for power, jumping slightly and transferring energy from his lower body through his core to his arms. This coordinated movement contributes to his range and effortless stroke.
Practical Tip for Aspiring Shooters: Emulate Shamet’s dedication to repetition and focus on consistent mechanics. Filming yourself and analyzing your form against his can be a great way to identify areas for improvement.
Defensive Contributions: More Than Just a Shooter
While his offense, particularly his shooting, is his calling card, Shamet has consistently shown effort and capability on the defensive end. He is known for:
Perimeter Defense: His length and quick feet allow him to stay in front of opposing guards, contesting shots and disrupting dribble penetration.
Effort and Tenacity: Despite not being a primary defensive stopper, Shamet demonstrates a willingness to fight through screens and remain engaged on defense.
Team Defense: He understands defensive schemes and plays within the team’s defensive structure, often making timely rotations and communicating with teammates.
While his defensive metrics might not always jump off the page, his professionalism and consistent effort are valued by coaches, as highlighted by New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau in May 2025, who praised Shamet’s “high character” and readiness to contribute, even in limited minutes during critical playoff games.
Recent Trends and Impact (as of 2025)
As of 2025, Landry Shamet has transitioned into more of a veteran role, providing depth and situational shooting for the New York Knicks. His impact, while not always reflected in traditional box score statistics, is often appreciated for his floor-spacing ability and professional approach.
Role on the Knicks: In the 2024-25 season, Shamet has served as a valuable bench player, particularly for his three-point shooting. His ability to knock down open shots helps space the floor for star players, creating driving lanes and easier scoring opportunities.
Playoff Contributions: During the 2025 playoffs, while his minutes have been limited, Shamet has been ready when his number is called. His ability to step onto the court and potentially hit a timely three can shift momentum, as noted by observers during critical moments in the Knicks’ playoff run. This highlights the importance of experienced, professional players who can contribute in high-pressure situations, even if their regular season roles are smaller.
Contract Status: Landry Shamet signed a 1-year, $1,682,008 contract with the New York Knicks in December 2024, becoming a UFA at the end of the 2024-25 season. This makes his future team and contract status a point of interest for the upcoming offseason.
Injury Management: Throughout his career, Shamet has dealt with various injuries, including foot, ankle, hip, calf, and rib issues. In October 2024, he suffered a dislocated shoulder in a preseason game, which briefly impacted his initial integration with the Knicks. However, his ability to return and contribute speaks to his resilience and commitment.
Future Outlook for Landry Shamet
Entering the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent, Landry Shamet’s future will largely depend on team needs and his ability to maintain his consistent shooting. Given his track record as a high-character professional and a proven three-point threat, he remains a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its perimeter shooting and veteran depth.
His ability to space the floor, combined with his willingness to play within a system and contribute defensively, makes him an attractive option for contending teams seeking reliable role players. While his role might continue to be as a secondary or tertiary option, his impact on a team’s offensive flow and spacing cannot be overstated.
FAQ
What is Landry Shamet’s primary strength as a basketball player?
Landry Shamet’s primary strength is his elite three-point shooting. He possesses a quick release and consistent form, making him a dangerous floor-spacer who can knock down shots off the catch, coming off screens, or in pull-up situations.
Which teams has Landry Shamet played for in his NBA career?
Since being drafted in 2018, Landry Shamet has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and most recently, the New York Knicks (as of 2025).
Has Landry Shamet won any major individual awards or achievements in his career?
Landry Shamet was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2019. In college, he earned First-team All-AAC (2018) and MVC Freshman of the Year (2017) honors. He also won the NBA G League Winter Showcase championship in 2024.
How has Landry Shamet’s role evolved throughout his NBA career?
Shamet began his career as a promising rookie shooter with immediate impact. He then became a key offensive weapon and floor spacer for contending teams like the Clippers and Suns. More recently, especially with the Knicks in 2025, he has embraced a veteran role, providing depth, professional leadership, and situational shooting when called upon, particularly in high-stakes playoff moments.
What are Landry Shamet’s contract details as of 2025?
Landry Shamet signed a 1-year, $1,682,008 contract with the New York Knicks in December 2024. He will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Final Thoughts
Landry Shamet’s journey in the NBA is a testament to the value of specialized skills and consistent professionalism. In a league increasingly driven by three-point shooting, Shamet’s ability to reliably stretch the floor has kept him a valuable commodity. While injuries have occasionally impacted his availability, his resilience and dedication to his craft have allowed him to maintain a relevant role on various NBA rosters.
As he navigates the next phase of his career, his proven shooting, basketball IQ, and veteran presence will undoubtedly continue to be sought after by teams looking to add depth, spacing, and a high-character player to their lineup.
To read more, Click here