NBA Draft Player Profile – UConn sophomore guard Jeremy Lamb

Jeremy Lamb, UConn sophomore shooting guard

Jeremy Lamb, UConn sophomore guard

2011-2012 Stats:

17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG 1.7 APG

NBA Draft stock: Lottery (No. 8 Toronto to No. 14 Houston)

NBA Comparison: Rip Hamilton

Jeremy Lamb is fighting to be the second shooting guard selected in Thursday’s draft with Florida’s Bradley Beal doing all but sealing his position as the first guard taken and Syracuse sophomore Dion Waiters reportedly receiving a guarantee, making him an almost certain lottery pick. Duke’s Austin Rivers and Washington’s Terrence Ross could also vie for that spot.

Lamb should go in the lottery, but where he goes is up in the air.

He’s taller than both Rivers and Waiters, not counting a 6-foot-11 wingspan. Lamb is a great catch and shooter and uses the screens very well. Overall, he’s a great shooter, whether it be off the dribble or catch-and-shoot. Another bonus he has over Waiters and Rivers is his movement without the rock. He drives to the lane pretty well for a guy labeled as a jump shooter.

Lamb’s weight has always been in question. Lean and lanky works for some players and Lamb falls in the category. No question strength needs to be added, but not a drastic tonight. Defensively is an area he can improve. Lamb can occasionally gamble on steals based on his length and wingspan.

With many shooting guards being projected in the lottery, Lamb has many options of where he can fall. He’s worked out for Portland (No. 6, No. 11). Toronto has also been mentioned.

Lamb was a great second option when UConn won the national title in 2011. If he can fall into a system with an already established point guard, he could thrive. Whether or not Steve Nash remains in Phoenix is a mystery, but if the Suns re-sign Nash and select Lamb, both could benefit. Phoenix is looking for a scorer, while Nash has always been able to raise the level of play with everyone around him.

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