Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic are banking on a youth movement to get them back to NBA playoff contention, and Doron Lamb would like to think he’ll be a part of that process.
He might be a part of it, but it will probably be in a minor role unless he picks up his productivity in a major way. Lamb was having a decent summer in July before suffering a left knee contusion. During Summer League, all eyes were on the Magic’s No. 1 pick Victor Oladipo, but Lamb showed some stuff prior to his injury with 13 points in a game against the Boston Celtics, hitting 4-of-7 from the floor and 3-of-3 in 3-pointers in a solid 26 minutes.
Oladipo was a little better with 25 points, but Lamb definitely gave indication that he’s ready to contribute in some respects and could be a key player in a reserve role for the Magic. It all depends on how quickly the other young players mature for the Magic.
Lamb began his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 12.1 minutes, 3.4 points and 0.9 assists in 23 games while shooting 34.7 percent from the floor and 53.3 percent from the line.
Those weren’t very good numbers, but then he went to Orlando and saw action in 24 games, averaging 12.4 minutes, 3.2 points and 1.2 boards a game. He had a much better shooting touch, netting 39.7 percent of his shots from the floor, 47.6 in threes and 63.2 in free throws. He can give the Magic a solid floor game, but it wouldn’t hurt if his shooting percentages improved to a certain extent.
John Raffel is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JohnCarlRaffel, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
