Raptors NBA Draft Thread: Jeremy Lamb (HOU)

[fredericklove]

I can envision waiter being a stellar 6th man he is that energy type to come in to spark the offense but don't see him as starter material. Undersized might be an issue. His attacking ability may be reason why he is used that way. His defense might be a hinder if they find out zone d was covering his weakness. That weakness could pull him out of the starting lineup. There's reason why he came off the bench in college if he was so good 2 way he could have started. He could have started and better than those on the team but he fits more on being an offense spark on the bench like how I see him as energy type like a good 6th man like how baby bulls used Ben Gordon or terry type in mavs. Good scorer but not insert into starter role type.

[fredericklove]

He might not attack the lane like those two can but he can flat out score at his position with vast repertoire skill set. If all 3 pans out then I won't be surprised if lamb ends up being better scorer than those two in the nba. Waiter has attacking ability but undersized without remarkable length as compensation and strength is nice but is it good enough at next level.

Here's the thing, if Lamb is finishing his baskets within 5-feet of the rim with a variety of floaters, runners and hooks does it really matter for him to get all the way to the rim? It would be nice for him to increase his chances of getting the and-1 if he was closer to the rim, but 2 points is 2 points that close to the rim.

Agree. I give credit for others fearless attack mode but a guy who can avg 60% at 2pt in a congested college level without attacking to the basket is outstanding. Think of what he can do if given NBA space. Not that he would avg same at 2 pointers but his repertoire is good for NBA style cause of so many things he can do. His floater is deadly too like u said. Its an important weapon to use in NBA lane.

[neurotik]

He might not attack the lane like those two can but he can flat out score at his position with vast repertoire skill set. If all 3 pans out then I won't be surprised if lamb ends up being better scorer than those two in the nba. Waiter has attacking ability but undersized without remarkable length as compensation and strength is nice but is it good enough at next level.

Here's the thing, if Lamb is finishing his baskets within 5-feet of the rim with a variety of floaters, runners and hooks does it really matter for him to get all the way to the rim? It would be nice for him to increase his chances of getting the and-1 if he was closer to the rim, but 2 points is 2 points that close to the rim.

There is a big difference between floaters in college and floaters in the NBA. If he is tossing up floaters within 5 feet in the NBA, his efficiency to drop significantly. That is why getting to the rim and getting contact is so important. That and, as you pointed out, the and 1 situations, which allows for the potential to increase points by 33%.

[fredericklove]

Floaters are different in NBA but for a guy with those crazy length. Its crazy to think he can't get those off against NBA defenders at a good rate. Breaking down defenders are important first it helps create that space for him to get floaters off. So many NBA players use floater frequently in the NBA so its important asset. Also its all about running plays, lamb is the offscreen/iso/spot up guy u can throw numerous plays to. I don't see huge concern if he's not getting to basket absorbing contact, that alone won't diminish his entire offensive game.

[Undefeated]

To add on what frederick said which I agree with, it's a move that will translate to the NBA for Lamb, so I don't see how he'll struggle to get his floaters off in the NBA especially when you combine with his freakish 8'6" reach. Just watch around the NBA, it's a very useful move for players who aren't that great of drawing contact like CP3, Nash, Tony Parker, Stephen Curry, Joe Johnson and the list goes on. Some of those guys didn't even master the floater until a few years into their pro career unlike Lamb. He'll have to do some adjustment, but he's ahead of the learning curve in terms of that specific move.

Also, I think without Drummond and Oriakhi clogging the lane with the help of a stretch big like Bargnani and more space to operate at the NBA due to a bigger court, it should be easier for him because he doesn't have to waste as much movement and dribble to get to his sweet spot weaving his way through teammates and defenders at UConn. One or two strides and he'll easily be able to get where he wants, rise up and shoot the floater.

[DG88]

He might not attack the lane like those two can but he can flat out score at his position with vast repertoire skill set. If all 3 pans out then I won't be surprised if lamb ends up being better scorer than those two in the nba. Waiter has attacking ability but undersized without remarkable length as compensation and strength is nice but is it good enough at next level.

Here's the thing, if Lamb is finishing his baskets within 5-feet of the rim with a variety of floaters, runners and hooks does it really matter for him to get all the way to the rim? It would be nice for him to increase his chances of getting the and-1 if he was closer to the rim, but 2 points is 2 points that close to the rim.

Yet being able to draw contact and get to the free throw line is something that a dynamic scorer should be able to do on a consistent basis. Lamb has the floater, and a great midrange shot which he hits at very high rate. Still he rarely imitated to get to the free throw line. He scored 18 points in 38 minutes but that could have been waay higher had he got to the free throw line more. He doesn't seem to be an alpha male type player something that Casey is rumour to be looking for out of the 8th pick. He's more go with the flow like DeRozan. Another concern for me will be Lamb defensively. His skinny frame worries me especially getting around screens and defending one on one. We talk about needing DeMar to get stronger so that he doesn't get pinned on screens. Lamb is going to have a similar problem in the NBA. Yes he's got great length to disrupt passing lanes ans disrupting shots with his length, yet he just averaged a steal and less a block per game. Now that doesn't mean he can't be a good defender it just shows that he could be using his physical traits waay better than he is now.

Waiters is more of an aggressive scorer who can make jumpshots and floaters just like Lamb. Yet he gets to the basket and finishes at the rim and invites contact. He's got a sturdy frame even though he'll have to cut down the body fat. He's pretty good at using the pick and roll to get scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates and he reminds me of a smaller James Harden. If we're getting a SG in this draft I'm looking for a tough minded aggressive scorer, which Waiters is.

[niQ]

Nba.com consensus alone doesnt validate ur claim. Look at all other scouts site too. Lillard is higher because of pg need. Raptors need more shooter than attacker like Casey and BC have emphasized. With all the Nash fuzz and Portland being high on lillard. Lillard might not be available or we going pg route from draft. Our best choice should be someone who can shoot and create for himself
I don't see lillard or waiter having more potential than lamb because scouts have been saying lamb has top 5 potential all season all draft long. He might not attack the lane like those two can but he can flat out score at his position with vast repertoire skill set. If all 3 pans out then I won't be surprised if lamb ends up being better scorer than those two in the nba. Waiter has attacking ability but undersized without remarkable length as compensation and strength is nice but is it good enough at next level. Shooting is OK but I don't see him deadly shooter and his offensive skill set isn't on par with lamb.

Yes I know consensus alone doesn't validate the claim. But in the comment regarding taking Lamb going 6th I was simply trying to show most mocks had Portland going for either Lillard or Drummond. Even you said its based on need (both lillard and drummond would fill a need at PG/C). If Portland DOES take Lamb at 6th then I would be very surprised, wouldn't you? (actually scratch that, you will just say no and rub it in =P)

[JWiLL02]

Any more news on his shoulder injury? It definitely seems worrisome, especially being that it's on his shooting side.

We have a tendency to pass up talent because of injury scares, seems like it could happen again this year.

[DG88]

Any more news on his shoulder injury? It definitely seems worrisome, especially being that it's on his shooting side.

We have a tendency to pass up talent because of injury scares, seems like it could happen again this year.

I don't think the medical scare should be that worrisome. As long as it's monitored throughout his career he should be fine. There are other concerns for me personally that I have with Lamb.

[JN]

I can envision waiter being a stellar 6th man he is that energy type to come in to spark the offense but don't see him as starter material. Undersized might be an issue. His attacking ability may be reason why he is used that way. His defense might be a hinder if they find out zone d was covering his weakness. That weakness could pull him out of the starting lineup. There's reason why he came off the bench in college if he was so good 2 way he could have started. He could have started and better than those on the team but he fits more on being an offense spark on the bench like how I see him as energy type like a good 6th man like how baby bulls used Ben Gordon or terry type in mavs. Good scorer but not insert into starter role type.

Scoop Jardine (SR) and Brandon Tricher (JR) were returning starters and were a preseason top 10 backcourt in America. They might not be NBA prospects, but they are very good NCAA players.

It's not that complicated. Boeheim was not going to change the starting unit from a 3 seed the year before, and was certainly not going to change the formula after starting 25-0. They won with Waiters off the bench, BT is known to have confidence issues, and JB stuck with it. Length at the bottom of the zone is of extreme importance so JB was not going to go to a 3 guard set, when he had the depth to throw guys like Joseph, Fair, Sutherland into the 3/4.

He could have started, played 37 minutes a game, and put up the same or better numbers than Lamb. But no need to play him 37 minutes on such a deep team. He always played when the game was on the line. The garbage fouls called against him against Ohio St really hurt Syracuse's chances in the elite eight game.

Its not what I would have done - he would have started every game if I was coach as it was clear that he was the most talented player from tip off of the past season -- but anyone that knows JB knows that he will not change something that is working. And SU's depth provided the opportunity for many ways to win.

[neurotik]

Floaters are different in NBA but for a guy with those crazy length. Its crazy to think he can't get those off against NBA defenders at a good rate. Breaking down defenders are important first it helps create that space for him to get floaters off. So many NBA players use floater frequently in the NBA so its important asset. Also its all about running plays, lamb is the offscreen/iso/spot up guy u can throw numerous plays to. I don't see huge concern if he's not getting to basket absorbing contact, that alone won't diminish his entire offensive game.

I'm not saying he won't be able to get his floaters off, what I'm saying is when he faces NBA big men who will alter his shot, he will hit them at a much less efficient clip.

Floaters are a good complimentary move to use to avoid charges and for when you can't get to the rim, but they should not be a primary weapon. Attacking the rim for dunks and getting to the line should be.

[Undefeated]

I'm not saying he won't be able to get his floaters off, what I'm saying is when he faces NBA big men who will alter his shot, he will hit them at a much less efficient clip.

Floaters are a good complimentary move to use to avoid charges and for when you can't get to the rim, but they should not be a primary weapon. Attacking the rim for dunks and getting to the line should be.

Lamb will have some adjustments to make, but it's not like that floater of his will of a sudden become an inefficient move. Pro players rarely miss good looks when that close to the rim. But with more room to play than in college ball, Lamb won't have to waste as much movement and dribble to get where he wants. One or two strides he'll have two feet in the paint, plant his feet, rise up and shoot the floater without his shot being altered too much. Not to mention, he did a good job going at Cuse's interior defense a couple times this season and Fab Melo is one of the few NBA-ready shot-blockers in this draft.

Watch Joe Johnson and Rudy Gay, how often do they attack the rim and get to the line? You can't just expect players to put their head down and bulldoze to the paint. You only do what the defense gives you. But Lamb does have to do a better job of mixing up his offense and not fall in love with the outside jumper.

[redred9]

.

Watch Joe Johnson and Rudy Gay, how often do they attack the rim and get to the line? You can't just expect players to put their head down and bulldoze to the paint. You only do what the defense gives you. But Lamb does have to do a better job of mixing up his offense and not fall in love with the outside jumper.

I agree with this. The floater is actually one of the most difficult shots to master and it's amazing to me that Lamb can already hit that shot with such regularity. Tony Parker basically lives off his little teardrop at this stage of his career and it is unstoppable.

Of course getting to the line is important for a team as well because it slows the game and disrupts the defence but if Lamb could also do that with regularity he would not be in our draft range. We also do have Demar Derozan on the roster who is set to make a living at the line.

If we find his shoulder is pretty healthy (keeping in mind a popped shoulder can be season ending sometimes- huge concern obviously) I can't see why anyone else would be our pick.

[JV4MVP]

Why did he drop to 14th on nbadraft.net

[Double Helix]

Why did he drop to 14th on nbadraft.net

dislocated shoulder red flag and an ankle injury that didn't allow him to workout much.

[neurotik]

Why did he drop to 14th on nbadraft.net

There were some concerns regarding a shoulder injury that he had in highschool. Apparently it is a risk if not properly maintained.

[JN]

I am no doctor or trainer, so I may be completely wrong but on the surface a shoulder injury and a regular ankle injury (not that uncommon) don't seem like injuries that would stop me from taking Lamb if he was the guy scouts wanted -- of course BC has the resources at hand to make those assessments properly.

[JPHolling]

BC seems to be a GM that shy away from players whom have had injuries in the past.
I dont know how bad these injuries are, but could have lamb off raptors draft board now

[TimoCruz]

I think it is for certain that we not drafting Lamb.BC in his interview yesterday clearly stated he takes the doctors and their evaluations very seriously.

[xprt]

I think some team representives spreading bs just of hope their liked guy drops for them.