James Harden is long gone and now his replacement, Kevin Martin, is too.
That means this could be the season for Jeremy Lamb, and according to Fran Blinebury on NBA.com, Lamb is a pick to be one of the most-improved players in the league.
Lamb, who played in just 23 games last year and averaged 6.4 minutes per game, should certainly have every opportunity this year, especially if Russell Westbrook comes back at full strength, like he's schedule to do.
The Thunder used Reggie Jackson as the backup to Westbrook a season ago, and used him extensively in the playoffs once Westbrook went down with a knee injury. That left Jackson and veteran Derek Fisher as the only guard options.
"The door is wide open," Blinebury said. "Lamb could see his way to some very big things on the championship contender."
A year ago, the Thunder were hesitant to use the No. 12 pick out of Connecticut after acquiring him from Houston. But now in year two, and without upgrading their bench in the offseason, this could be the season Lamb not only plays more, but breaks out.
