Jeremy Lamb announced on his Instagram account that he is retiring from professional basketball. "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 wrote, reflecting on a decade-long career marked by several memorable moments.
Lamb's announcement marks the end of a 10-year journey in the NBA, a career that began with high expectations when he was selected as the 12th overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft. However, his time with the Rockets was short-lived, as he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the deal that sent James Harden to Houston—a transaction that significantly impacted the trajectories of both their careers.
Early Career in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma City, Lamb played three seasons with the Thunder, where he had the opportunity to develop alongside stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. His tenure with the Thunder was formative, but ultimately, he was ready for a change after three years.
Rise with the Charlotte Hornets
The 2015-16 season saw Lamb joining the Charlotte Hornets, a move that would bring out some of his best on-court performances. Averaging 11.9 points and playing 23 minutes per game over four seasons, Lamb established himself as a reliable and tenacious player. One of his most memorable moments with the Hornets came on March 24, 2019, when he made a game-winning, buzzer-beating half-court heave to defeat the Toronto Raptors—setting off a wave of celebrations and etching his name into franchise lore.
Later Stints and Personal Achievements
After his impactful tenure with the Hornets, Lamb had stints with the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings during the 2021-22 season. Throughout his career, Lamb averaged 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, numbers that underscore his consistent contribution on both ends of the floor.
Beyond the NBA, Lamb also had a successful collegiate career at the University of Connecticut. As a key player for the Huskies, Lamb helped lead the team to the 2011 NCAA championship, showcasing his potential early on by averaging 14.1 points over 75 games in his college career. This foundational experience undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his professional journey.
As Lamb steps away from professional basketball, his legacy remains that of a dedicated and impactful player who made the most of every opportunity. His journey from a promising college player who led his team to a national championship, to a respected NBA veteran, is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Jeremy Lamb leaves the game having given his all, and his contributions will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
Reflecting on his career, one can't help but admire Lamb's journey—punctuated by game-winning shots, impressive averages, and a maturity on the court that made him a reliable asset to every team he played for. Basketball has indeed been good to him, and as he transitions to life after the NBA, Jeremy Lamb's name will remain etched in the annals of basketball history.