NBA News: Jeremy Lamb Has A Chance To Be ‘Really Good’ For Charlotte Hornets

Jeremy Lamb never had a chance to showcase his skills when he played with the Oklahoma City Thunder in his first few seasons in the league as OKC had two of the NBA’s top stars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Now with the Charlotte Hornets, Lamb will have the opportunity to show he belongs in the league and contribute to his team’s success.

"They love Lamb. He's really the only long, athletic shooting guard they have now that Batum will be back at the three. He has a chance to be really good," Ken Berger of CBS Sports quoted an unnamed league source.

The Hornets will have a different backcourt and wing rotation for the upcoming season after letting go of Lance Stephenson (traded to the Los Angeles Clippers), Gerald Henderson (traded to Portland Trail Blazers) and acquiring the likes of Jeremy Lin (free agency), Nicolas Batum and Lamb.

The Michael Jordan-owned squad also suffered a big blow after Michael Kidd-Gilchrist tore his labrum in his right shoulder in a recent preseason game and will be out for the rest of the season. With the injury to Kidd-Gilchrist, Lamb’s usage and minutes are expected to rise for the new season.

Drafted as the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Thunder, Lamb had underwhelming numbers with Oklahoma City in his first three years in the league. In 148 regular season games, he averaged 7.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 15.7 minutes per game. He also has played in just 11 postseason games.

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford is reportedly still undecided who will start in place of the injured Kidd-Gilchrist but it is expected that Lamb, along with Batum, will get increased roles to try to fill up the void.