Evaluating Jeremy Lamb’s future with the Charlotte Hornets
Does the strong play of Dwayne Bacon mean that Jeremy Lamb‘s time with the Charlotte Hornets may be over sooner rather than later?
Jeremy Lamb’s time with the Charlotte Hornets has been a rollercoaster. He’s fallen in and out of the rotation on multiple occasions. A replacement may already be waiting in the wings with second round pick Dwayne Bacon showing promise.
Steve Clifford has expressed his frustration with Lamb numerous times for his lack of intensity, defensive awareness and consistency. Even though Jeremy is coming off of a career-best season, he wasn’t overly impressive in doing so shooting under 30% from three (lowest mark of his career).
With the additions made this offseason, Lamb is now more expendable than ever before for Charlotte. Just a couple of years ago he was looked at as a possible sixth man for the Hornets. Now, he is probably the team’s third or fourth scoring option in a bunch unit that includes Malik Monk, Frank Kaminsky and Cody Zeller.
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Lamb’s contract runs through the 2018-19 season and he is set to make just over $7 million for each of the next two years. His relatively team-friendly contract makes Jeremy a prime trade target for opposing teams. He has been linked with a move away from Charlotte and on the trade block since last summer.
Considering how close the Hornets are to the luxury tax this season and their lack of flexibility next summer, it makes sense for them to shed Lamb’s contract for an expiring deal. It would also open up minutes in the rotation for the team’s second round pick who looks to be the real deal.
Like I said before, Charlotte may have already found Jeremy’s replacement if they do in fact choose to move the 25-year old. Dwayne Bacon had a strong showing in the summer league and is set to only make under $2 million in each of the next three seasons.
Not only is the Florida State product more cost efficient but he may be a better fit off the bench as he is a true small forward at 6’6, 222 pounds. Although Lamb can play the three, he is better suited for the shooting guard spot measuring in at 6’5, 185 pounds but that role will now be taken up by Malik Monk which means that Jeremy will be forced to backup Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
If the Hornets do believe that Bacon can replace Lamb in the second unit, then it would be best for both sides to trade Jeremy. It would allow Charlotte to play Dwayne and for the UCONN product to continue his career elsewhere.
Next: Hornets have to find minutes for Bacon
I’m not saying Lamb’s time is up with the Charlotte Hornets but there is the possibility that it may be coming to an end. He still offers plenty of positives while on the court but Jeremy isn’t Coach Clifford’s first choice. It remains to be seen what the team’s plan is for Lamb going forward but his future in the Queen City could be in doubt.