Is Jeremy Lamb Making the Sixth Man Role His Own?
Even with his defensive downfalls, is Jeremy Lamb doing enough on the offensive end in preseason to carve out the sixth man role for himself?
After the Charlotte Hornets‘ first four preseason games this year, Jeremy Lamb has been one of the most impressive players on the team. He has arguably been the team’s second best player, only behind Frank Kaminsky. Could his consistent play during these exhibition games give him the sixth man role in the regular season?
While Lamb has been superb on the offensive end of the court, Steve Clifford has been publicly critical about his defensive woes. Jeremy’s struggles on the defense is why he was relegated to the bench last season and why he may have trouble with playing time this year as well. But even with those defensive downfalls, could his offensive firepower be enough for him to carve out the sixth man role?
That seems to be the question that no one quite knows the answer to yet. Every fan has been amazed with his scoring ability but coach Clifford demands defensive effort and skill from his players every night. If Lamb isn’t able to meet those standards, he could find himself on the bench with his athleticism and scoring touch being wasted.
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During the first four preseason games, the 6’5 shooting guard is averaging 12 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 1.5 assists per game on 56.7% shooting from the field. He is the second leading scorer on the team and has also recorded one double-double after only recording one all of last season.
Lamb has upped all of his stats during the preseason so far as he only averaged 8.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 1.2 APG last year. Even though he had career-highs in points, rebounds, and shooting percentage from the field, Jeremy only appeared in 66 games last season. He was one of the Hornets’ best bench players but after falling off a bit offensively and his defense continuing to struggle, he ended up in Steve Clifford’s dog house.
The 24-year old has been working tirelessly this summer to improve his game and be ready for a full 82 game season. Jeremy Lin served as Charlotte’s sixth man last year but after losing him in free agency this offseason, the team needs to replace his production and role. Marco Belinelli seemed like the early candidate to be the sixth man but Lamb’s emergence during the preseason has raised some eyebrows and has given the coaching staff more questions than answers.
Speaking of Belinelli, the Hornets’ newly acquired guard has struggled during the preseason. He’s only averaging 5.0 PPG, 1.3 APG, and 0.8 RPG on 34.8% shooting from the field and a disastrous 16.7% from the three-point line. The disappointing start from the Italy international has left the sixth man spot open for debate.
While Lamb’s great play has been highlighted by strong attacks to the basket, back-door cuts, dunks, and even knocking down shots, that has all been overshadowed by multiple lapses on defense. Jeremy is constantly getting beat or losing his awareness on that end of the floor. We already discussed that his defensive woes could lead to him struggling for playing time this year. But if he can improve that and continue to score at a high rate, then he would be the easy choice for the Hornets’ sixth man.
While coach Clifford may not love his play on the defensive end, I believe that Lamb is carving out the sixth man role for himself with his great performances during the preseason. After losing so many scorers and shooters during the summer, Charlotte will need Jeremy’s athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility this season.
He can be the team’s x-factor and be vital in their success. He showcased glimpses of outstanding play last year and if he can put everything together, the former University of Connecticut player can have a career season and be the Charlotte Hornets’ sixth man/great role player for years to come.
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It will be interesting to see how the situation plays out going forward during preseason and once the regular season begins. Steve Clifford’s lack of faith in Lamb’s defense could leave him out of the sixth man role but his play is making him a viable option. Jeremy’s offensive ability is needed but he will need to be better defensively if he wants to maintain minutes and have a consistent role with the Charlotte Hornets this season. I think he is the perfect candidate for the sixth man spot but he can not continue to get lost on defense like he has so many times before.