Landry Shamet is Avonte Maddox and Avonte Maddox is Landry Shamet

This past week, I have discovered the easiest comparison in the history of comparisons: Landry Shamet is Avonte Maddox (or vice versa).

In their most recent, respective games, they’ve stood out with their most impressive work yet. And while you could argue it wasn’t Maddox MOST impressive display, it certainly was his most important.

I got to this take due to my obsession with depth on rosters. It’s why the Mavericks beat the Inaugural Heat Big 3 and why the Spurs remained relevant, or a dynasty, for so long. When you have a lot of money tied up in “Big 3’s”, it’s essential to find talent at a bargain. The Sixers have for the most part…done a terrible job at that.

But, they finally hit on a non-lottery draft pick that can give them much needed production. Landry Shamet is fresh off a career high 29 points (8 three point field goals made). On a team infamous for strange shooting woes, he has become a fantastic sharp-shooter when Redick is off the floor. It’s even more impressive to me because at Wichita State he ran point and was very ball-dominant. Now, he flourishes off the ball. What a (much needed, non-lottery) hit.

Speaking of depth, the Eagles cap space is sparse. They need some rookie wage scale guys who can ball. Avonte Maddox fits the bill. He came out as undersized and Pitt gave up a billion points to Syracuse and Oklahoma State during his tenure there. I would’ve never believed a member of their secondary could actually be good. But, we are at the point where Maddox can pretty much pick whether he wants to play Safety or Cornerback next year. He’s been that good. For a team scarce on scarce on draft picks this last year, the Eagles get an absolute A+ for Maddox and Dallas Goedert.

Landry Shamet and Avonte Maddox. Both rookies. Both drafted late. Both making an almost immediate impact. Both guys you didn’t expect to have such a substantial impact so soon, or at all. They aren’t the stars, but they’re still integral to the team’s success.

I can’t wait for Haywood Highsmith to be Cre’von LeBlanc.

By Aidan Powers | January 8, 2019