Today’s OKC Thunder and Their Historic NBA Counterparts

#13 – Current Thunder Player – Jeremy Lamb

David’s Historic Counterpart – Michael Cooper

Have we lost all credibility yet? No??? This is a case of how similar talent levels can flourish or whither away under the right circumstances. There’s no denying Jeremy Lamb’s raw talent – Thunder fans have seen all-too-rare flashes given his limited playing time over the last few years. But buried in the depth chart and unable to get any true sense of his value as a player, Lamb has simply never realized his potential and his tenure with the team may soon be at an end.

Similarly, Michael Cooper was never quite sure of where he stood in the NBA. Too slight to defend larger players but too lanky to handle smaller guards, he was on his way out of Pat Riley‘s “Showtime” era Lakers. But he rededicated himself to being a top-notch defender and was one of the first 3-and-D players in the NBA. He found a niche (something J-Lamb has yet to do) and also worked himself into a key role on championship teams. Here’s hoping that Lamb can do the same, either in Oklahoma City or elsewhere…

Next: #12 - The Hustling Big Man