Editor's note: This is the 10th in a series examining top prospects in the NBA Draft. Profiles are based on conversations with NBA general managers and scouts.
Jeremy Lamb is climbing the draft charts. That’s interesting, because the 6-foot-5 guard hasn’t played a game since the University of Connecticut’s season ended in March.
So, what’s going on?
“He’s a high-risk, high-reward sort of guy,” says one NBA GM.
Meaning?
“Meaning he has some questions to answer during the next few weeks of individual workouts,” the GM said. “But if he answers them, look out. He really could catapult into the top five or six (picks).”
The GM speaks the truth, as there’s certainly a lot to like about Lamb.
He’s lanky, smooth and a talented shooter – both from mid-range and the perimeter. One scout even compared him to former Indiana shooting sensation Reggie Miller. Another likened him to “a younger version” of Chicago guard Richard Hamilton, “only with better range coming out of college.”
Meanwhile, scouting website DraftExpress.com defined Lamb’s game this way: "He has range well past the NBA 3-point line and can shoot the ball with his feet set, off the dribble or running off screens. He's shown nice foot work coming off curls and does an excellent job creating space, squaring himself and elevating to get off his jumper.”
Reggie Miller? Richard Hamilton? Range well past the NBA 3-point line? Wow. How is this kid not a shoe-in to become a top-three pick?
Well, that’s where the “high-risk” part comes in.
UConn really could’ve used Lamb this year, one season after winning the national title. And while he was clearly the No. 1 option for the Huskies – there were too many times he was just sort of there. Not bad, but not an All-American, either.
“He could disappear,” said one scout. “Not to the point where it’s a huge concern, but it is a concern. That sort of gave him a reputation as someone who might be a little too laid-back, not passionate enough. I don’t think that’s the case, but we’re talking about transitioning to the NBA. So any concern is going to be magnified, and with him, that’s the biggie.”
A lukewarm demeanor isn’t all. Some talent-evaluators also referred to Lamb as “soft.” Fair or not, it’s those types of labels that may turn him into a pick that drops into the 10-12 range.
In fact, it seems every bit of praise about Lamb is followed by some sort of disclaimer.
“Defensively, Lamb has the physical tools to excel, as he has good lateral quickness and instincts, and is able to utilize his tremendous wingspan to cause havoc on the ball and in the passing lanes,” according to DraftExpress.com.
But then came this:
“His energy on (defense) looked very inconsistent this season, however, not displaying the competitiveness, fundamentals and attention to detail that will likely be demanded from him at the NBA level, particularly off the ball.”
On the bright side for Lamb, a lot of folks seem to have forgotten the not-so-great stuff, and he’s hitting the workout tour on an upswing.
“Now is the time when he can really prove himself all over again,” said one GM. “If his approach to the game checks out OK (during individual workouts), I think he will creep toward the top of the draft. He could be a real scorer in this league.”
Jeremy Lamb File
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 185 pounds
Position: Shooting guard
Date of birth: 5-30-1992 (20 years old)
Hometown: Norcross, Ga.
High School: Norcross
College: Connecticut
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
