Shamet already passing Brooklyn chemistry test
The Nets pulled off a threeteam draft night trade with the Clippers and Pistons in a deal that brought in sharpshooter Landry Shamet. It’s no coincidence that Shamet and Nets superstar Kevin Durant have a pre-forged relationship.
In his introductory press conference with the media on Zoom, Shamet said he had been working out primarily with Durant and Kyrie Irving at The Sports Academy out in California, previously known as
The Mamba Sports Academy founded by the late, great Kobe Bryant. He stopped short of saying he and
KD spoke explicitly about joining forces.
“We were texting, but didn’t really talk about any trades or any of that stuff,” Shamet said. “[We] talked about the season. We talked about a number of things but nothing about, ‘yeah, you’re coming to Brooklyn’ or like, I should come to Brooklyn. It was never like anything about that. So I don’t know. They could’ve had input. If they did and they wanted me, then that’s great. If they didn’t, the front office, I’m glad they made the decision they did and brought me here, because I know I can add value.”
Nets GM Sean Marks has made it abundantly clear in the past he would rely on his stars for their input on filling out the roster. Durant also had input on hiring Steve Nash as head coach, who Durant worked with extensively during his time with the Golden State Warriors.
This is how you’re supposed to build a super team: Get your main pieces in order, then let them fill out the rest of the roster. The Nets also acquired Bruce Brown in a separate deal with the Pistons. Brown will talk to the media on Saturday.
Shamet can be categorized as an aggressive sniper. He is averaging about five threes per game through his first two NBA seasons — first with Philly before the Sixers traded him to Los Angeles in the Tobias Harris deal — and is connecting at a 40% clip.
He also isn’t just a one-way player. Marks lauded the experience Shamet gained playing alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on a championship contender in Los Angeles.
“Landry’s played big games. When you’ve played in playoff games and you’re at that age, you’re a young guy, that speaks volumes,” Marks said on Friday. “He’s obviously been trusted in other places he’s been and doesn’t shy away from big moments. He goes back to the experience he’s already had, but also adding more of that shooting piece. I still think he’s a very versatile defender as well.”
That Clippers contender, though, fell apart, and fell short of expectations with a second-round, Game 7 elimination at the hands of the up-and-coming Denver Nuggets that can only be classified as disappointing.
Shamet believes he can take some of what he’s seen in Los Angeles and apply it to his time in Brooklyn.
“You’ve got to build chemistry before things get hard, so when things do get hard you’ve got that trust and that foundation to build on. So that’s No. 1,” he said, noting that the Clippers have decided to all workout together this offseason. “For me, what I’m going to be doing that sense of chemistry is just sacrifice. I’m willing to do whatever for my teammates. I’ll give up myself for our team. I’m all about winning, I want to win. So that’s what I bring to the table, and hopefully can rub off on a lot of other guys.”
For Shamet, it’s goodbye Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and hello KD and Kyrie. If he didn’t know them well before, he got to know them while playing pickup games during the offseason.
“I’m excited. I like how they both play. They both move. They want to set screens and play in space. They’re unselfish, willing passers. They’re smart. My wheels have been spinning on how I can get involved and how I can get those guys shots and how I’ll be able to contribute as well,” he said. “I’m just really excited. Obviously, I’ve been lucky. I’m 23 years old, this is my third year in the league, and I’ve played with some really, really good players. These two just add to that list. So, I’m excited, and I really like what we have here.”