Jeremy Lamb: Highlights, Analysis and Pro Projections

Jeremy Lamb's stock has taken a hit, but I still think he could be a valuable role player and secondary scorer. Lamb was the leading scorer for an underachieving UConn Huskies team in 2011-2012. The defending champions were ousted in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Iowa State, after struggling to gain a berth with a 18-12 regular season record.

In Lamb's sophomore season he put up nice numbers, averaging 17.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

He made himself eligible for the NBA Draft on April 10, but he will enter with less acclaim than some believed at the beginning of the season.

ESPN's Chad Ford has Lamb as the second best SG in the draft.

I disagree.

I believe he is the best at the position, in a shallow crop of 2-guards. I don't see him as a future star, but he can certainly be an asset for a team in need of a versatile wing player.

Here is a scouting report on Lamb that highlights his strengths and weaknesses.

(Height, weight and stats per statsheet.com)

Profile:

Height: 6'5" 

Weight: 180 pounds 

School: UConn

Date of Birth: May 30, 1992

Best NBA Position: Shooting Guard

College Stats: (Key Stats Underlined) 17.7 PPG, 37.2 MPG, 47.8 FG%, 33.6 3FG%, 81 FT%, 1.7 APG, 4.9 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.2 SPG

Skill Grades:

Athleticism - A+

Size - A

Intangibles - B-

Rebounding - B

Ball Handling - B+

Defense - A

Shooting - A

Passing - A-

Post Game - C

Basketball IQ - A

Upside - B+

Strengths:

Lamb is one of the draft's premier athletes. He has big time hops and freakishly long arms. His movements are graceful, and he will be a terror in the open floor, especially on the wing with a capable point guard.

His height is almost ideal for the position, but the length of his arms allows him to play a little taller than he is. It also aids him as a rebounder, and most prominently as a defender. Lamb is like a condor in the passing lanes, and he will be among the NBA's best in steals shortly.

Check out some of Lamb's impact plays: 

He would be a great fit with a team that denies passing lanes. 

Offensively he can finish at the basket as a slasher, but his best attribute is as a shooter. He can be streaky, but his jump shot is effective from mid-range out to the three-point line. He is also a willing and capable passer off the drive. 

He could be a very valuable slash and spot-up wing player in the NBA.

Weaknesses:

Lamb is extremely thin, and that will allow stronger defenders to knock him off course on drives to the basket. He hasn't shown a ton of mental toughness when games have become physical, as his game is purely finesse.

He won't offer much off-the-dribble, unless it's a pump and go situation; so he'll need the proper offense to reach his potential.

Lamb was thrust into a role as a No. 1 option. That isn't who he is, though his numbers increased, the role doesn't suit him or any team he's on.  

NBA Player Comparison: 

Eddie Jones

Jones was an athletic, defensive specialist and a better than average three-point shooter throughout most of his 14-year NBA career. At 6'6" 190 pounds, he and Lamb are nearly the same size. Their skill sets are also very similar.

Jones averaged 15 points, five rebounds and just under two steals per game in his career. He made three All-Star teams (1997, 1998, 2000) and was once voted All-NBA Third-Team (1999-2000).

Despite his accomplishments, Jones was never a No. 1 option, he was always more of a complimentary player. His skill set and demeanor was better suited that role, and I see Lamb as the same type of player. 

Draft Projection:

Mid to Late Lottery

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