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Is Jeremy Lamb OKC’s answer for James Harden?
- Updated: July 12, 2013
Jeremy Lamb is back on track.
After a challenging rookie season that saw him spend more time in the NBDL than the NBA, the former UConn guard may be figuring into the Thunder’s plans for next season.
Lamb scored 32 points in OKC’s Summer League game against Philadelphia on Wednesday, just three shy of the all-time Orlando league record, which was set by teammate Reggie Jackson a few days earlier. He also hit a game-winning shot that propelled the Thunder to a one-point win over the Magic earlier in the week.
His performance has Oklahoma City execs thinking about giving him a shot in the rotation next season. The Thunder may be grooming him for that role, having balked at offering a new contract to veteran shooting guard Kevin Martin, who ended up signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With no clear answer at shooting guard and precious little cap space, the Thunder could turn to Lamb to play the role that James Harden once had as the third scoring option. OKC fans are already buzzing about that possibility.
Harden was traded to Houston following the 2011 season after failing to come to terms on a long-term contract with Oklahoma City. While with the Rockets, Harden has morphed into one of the league’s best players. The Thunder missed his slashing ability and scoring prowess from the two-guard position last season.
That responsibility could now fall on Lamb, who is entering his second season in the NBA.
If he plays like he has thus far in Summer League, the Thunder will have nothing to worry about.
UConn fans remember when Lamb was the perfect Robin to Kemba Walker’s Batman, busting out in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and helping lead the Huskies to the national championship.
If that Jeremy Lamb shows up in Oklahoma City, he’s got a chance to stick as a key rotation player on a championship-contending team.
