Jeremy Lamb Calls It a Career After a Decade in the NBA
In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, Jeremy Lamb has officially declared his retirement from professional basketball, concluding a remarkable 10-year journey in the NBA. "Basketball has been good to me throughout my entire life, so this decision didn't come easy, but I have decided to retire from the game that has given me everything," Lamb penned in his retirement post.
Drafted 12th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft, Lamb's entry into the league was marked by immediate intrigue. However, his tenure with the Rockets was short-lived. Lamb soon found himself part of a blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to Houston and saw Lamb donning the Oklahoma City Thunder jersey. This trade was a pivotal moment in Lamb's career, laying the foundation for the years that followed.
During his three seasons with the Thunder, Lamb's potential was on display, though he often found himself playing a supporting role on a team contending for championships. His time in Oklahoma City was a crucial developmental period, allowing him to refine his skills and adapt to the pace of the professional game.
In the 2015-16 season, Lamb embarked on a new chapter with the Charlotte Hornets. It was here that he truly began to make his mark, averaging 11.9 points and 23 minutes per game over four seasons. Lamb's most memorable moment with the Hornets came on March 24, 2019. In a nail-biting finish against the Toronto Raptors, Lamb sank a game-winning half-court shot at the buzzer, etching his name into NBA lore.
Lamb's career also saw him with the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings during the 2021-22 season. While he might not have always been in the spotlight, his reliability and skill set ensured he remained a valuable asset to the teams he played for. Over his decade-long career, Lamb averaged 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as a consistent and dependable player.
Before his professional success, Lamb had already made waves in the collegiate basketball scene. A standout at the University of Connecticut, Lamb played a significant role in leading the Huskies to the 2011 NCAA championship. Over 75 games with the Huskies, Lamb averaged 14.1 points and demonstrated the talent and work ethic that would make him a future NBA player.
Reflecting on his career, it’s evident that Jeremy Lamb's journey was one of perseverance, growth, and memorable highlights. His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who consistently contributed both on and off the court. As Lamb steps away from the game he loves, he leaves behind a legacy defined by key performances, unwavering dedication, and a passion for basketball that inspired many.