Lamb and Jackson replace Harden-ESPN Article

[Edge2017]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...kson-combine-replace-james-harden?ex_cid=null
Good article on how JLamb and Jackson are combining to replace Harden and bring OKC back to one of the top teams in the league. Jeremy was one of my favorites at UConn and I love seeing him contribute to another great team.

Lamb is playing like it's 2011 and he's back at UConn winning national titles with Kemba Walker.

 

[James]

Been huge on scoop since he started back in the day contributing to SLAM. Finally gettin some recognition , both lamb and jackson deserve it. Just had this argument with family member, they were still claiming it the worst trade in nba history due to okc not 'getting enough'. All while okc continues to look like a machine.

 

[B1GEast]

. Just had this argument with family member,.

Nothing like the holiday to bring the best out of families, lol.

 

[aceboon]

Chris Mannix pointed out in his SI column today on the Thunder that the bench is currently averaging 34ppg, the most in the Durant/Westbrook era. Scoop's narratives are a lil flawed in this article(the Thunder were very high on Jackson in the draft and gave him a guarantee they would take him at their first round spot, and they never intended to keep Martin beyond last year) but the overall premise is correct, they're basically getting the overall package of bench scoring and shooting from Jackson and Lamb. Only the blind who treat Bill Simmons's opinions on basketball as gospel can't see it. The issue going forward after this year though is that Jackson's price is only going to go up the better he plays, so they might run into the same dilemma with Jackson that they did with Harden when Jackson is up for restricted free agency after next season.

 

[James]

That's why they gotta draft Napier. HA. No seriously

 

[msgordon]

they're not replacing hardens production. harden was a 22 year old coming off the most efficient season for a scoring guard in the history of the NBA. if they had just amnestied perkins they could have kept harden while also making it impossible for brooks to play him for his completely useless 25 minutes a game. OKC is still great but they are a couple mistakes away from being all-time awesome with serious dynasty potential. having said all that, i do love jackson/lamb and the way their bench plays

 

[James]

they're not replacing hardens production. harden was a 22 year old coming off the most efficient season for a scoring guard in the history of the NBA. if they had just amnestied perkins they could have kept harden while also making it impossible for brooks to play him for his completely useless 25 minutes a game. OKC is still great but they are a couple mistakes away from being all-time awesome with serious dynasty potential. having said all that, i do love jackson/lamb and the way their bench plays

Most efficient season for a 2guard in nba history , what the hell are you talking about ? His true shooting % (efficiency involves assists and turnovers not just shooting )? have you seen the man play defense ? Or how wade destroyed him in the finals ? Their team has been producing so much better on both ends for two years, your argument is erroneous; even more so if they win the whole thing.

 

[msgordon]

Yes best ts% ever, not saying he was the best all around player or anything. Just saying lamb and Reggie are good but nowhere near what harden gave them that year. Hardens d was fine then although he has indeed completely given up on that end in Houston. Okc continues to improve because Durant and Westbrook are all-nba players still hitting their prime, along with Ibaka. Still a great team no doubt, I just think they had a chance to be super elite

 

[aceboon]

Looks like Lamb is gonna have to assume a bigger role, Westbrook out til February with another knee surgery. He looked as explosive as ever this season but with another surgery you gotta start worrying about his long term health now.

 

[Kitaman]

Watching Jeremy play its obvious that he hasn't even scratched the surface of where he will be in the next five years. He's got loads of potential and taking notes from one of the best in the league (Durant). It helps to learn from not only Kemba but continue on with Kevin (and Westbrook), as their work ethic, dedication and commitment are above average.

He's in a very good place, basically perfect. Its not where you are drafted but who gets you (hopefully a team that needs and appreciates you). Which is why Bazz really needs the right team to select him regardless of draft position.

By the way its okay he's talked about as 2>1. Its not his time yet, but its coming.

 

[Jluc]

Yup Jackson will move to the starting role and your new 6th man all alone is j lamb