Looking Ahead: Themes for Final Stretch of NBA Season
Already on a team-friendly contract making less than $11 million this season, Shamet’s on-court production value is worth nearly $15 million. For a contending team like the Suns, it’s critical to make the most of the money spent on role players, and he’s absolutely a positive return on investment. If Phoenix is able to make a deep playoff run, Shamet will likely be a key driver of that success.
It’s clear that Shamet is a perimeter scorer given his ability to shoot from deep, but he’s also impactful from other parts of the floor. He’s a solid defender as well, having improved on that end as of late. With a few recent injuries, he’s also emerged as a player that’s able to distribute the ball at a solid level. Shamet has produced a career-high 2.0 assists per game this season.
Depending on who suits up each night, Shamet has the ability to play a variety of roles. If he’s coming off the bench as a primary playmaker with the second unit, he’s proven to be an effective volume scorer and facilitator. When playing with more of the starters, he’s still efficient in a less aggressive role working as an off-ball sharpshooter and slasher. His versatility has been key for Phoenix.
Shamet is shooting 38.6% from deep on over five attempts per game. Especially on a Suns team that has dealt with injuries this season, he’s stepped up in a big way and continues to prove why he was a former first-round pick. In a game late last month, the 25-year-old knocked down nine triples against the Washington Wizards. In addition, he’s also already notched two games with at least 30 points on the year.