Jeremy Lamb is primed to be an excellent addition for the Indiana Pacers in both value and team fit.
The Indiana Pacers have been one of the busiest teams in the NBA this offseason. On draft night the Pacers made headlines by stealing efficient scoring wing T.J. Warren from the Phoenix Suns for almost nothing. Days later the Pacers made another huge addition when they traded for guard Malcolm Brogdon.
Acquiring Brogdon wasn’t all the Pacers did when free agency opened. In addition to acquiring Brogdon, the Pacers signed former Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb to a three-year deal worth $31.5 million. In a market where Terry Rozier is getting nearly $20 million a year, this deal is a steal for Indiana. Lamb quietly was one of the best signings of the entire NBA free agency period, and he will help the Pacers make a serious run at the Eastern Conference.
Jeremy Lamb was chosen with the 12th selection in the 2012 NBA Draft. After initially being selected by the Rockets, Lamb was infamously sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder as a part of the package that landed superstar James Harden with the Houston Rockets. After spending three disappointing seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jeremy Lamb was traded to the Charlotte Hornets where his career saw a significant revival.
Jeremy Lamb has quietly been one of the league’s most improved players over the past four seasons. In his final season with the Charlotte Hornets, Lamb had his best season yet. He averaged 15.3 PPG on 44% shooting, including a 35% clip from beyond the arc. Throughout his stint with Charlotte, the Hornets continued to ask Lamb to embrace more significant roles. He always rose to the occasion, and by the time he left Charlotte he emerged as the second-best player on the team (only trailing all-pro Kemba Walker).
Still only 27 years old, Lamb is just now entering his prime. I’d like to talk about the ways he has improved while also briefly discussing his fit with the Pacers current roster.