2018 NBA Mock Draft: March is finally here

Shamet is about to go out and win this entire AAC tournament himself. The Lakers should be watching.

With SMU down their two best players and looking miserable and Cincinnati losing to the Shockers on Feb. 23, there’s suddenly a good chance Wichita State steals a top seed in March based on their performance in the conference tournament this week.

Shamet keeps moving along, with at least 10 points, two 3s and four assists in his last six games. Few players are more consistent than the junior guard, a smart and efficient player with a devastating jump shot and great passing instincts. He can run a pick-and-roll as well as anyone outside the lottery, posing a dual threat to defenses as a shooter and play-maker. His chemistry with Shaq Morris is among the most fun things to watch in college basketball this year.

From the Lakers’ perspective, it’s impossible to have too many players like Shamet. Maybe Josh Hart is similar, and they also have Lonzo Ball to consider. A decision on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s future will be made shortly after the draft.  However, even if all four of these guys stick around, that’s not a bad thing.

Every team in the league needs a handful of ball-handlers to keep their offense afloat, and Shamet is NBA-ready. If Los Angeles is ready to jump to title contention next season, they need as many cheap contributors as they can find.