Anthony Lamb (basketball)

Anthony Miles Lamb (born January 20, 1998) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League (NBL). He played college basketball for the Vermont Catamounts.

Anthony Lamb
Lamb with the Vermont Catamounts in 2016
Free agent
PositionSmall forward / power forward
Personal information
Born (1998-01-20) January 20, 1998 (age 26)
Rochester, New York, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight227 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High schoolGreece Athena
(Greece, New York)
CollegeVermont (2016–2020)
NBA draft2020: undrafted
Playing career2021–present
Career history
2021Canton Charge
2021Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2021Houston Rockets
2021–2022Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2022San Antonio Spurs
2022Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2022–2023Golden State Warriors
2022–2023Santa Cruz Warriors
2023–2024New Zealand Breakers
Career highlights and awards
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at NBA.com
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  United States
FIBA AmeriCup
Bronze medal – third place 2022 Brazil

Early life and high school career edit

Lamb moved to Rochester, New York at a young age. He attended Greece Athena High School in nearby Greece, New York, where he competed on the basketball team under coach Jim Johnson. As a junior, Lamb averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds per game in leading the team to the Class A state final. He was the only returning starter as a senior and posted 30 points and 17 rebounds per game. Lamb led the team to a number-one ranking in New York and an appearance in the Section V Class AI final. He was one of the finalists for New York Mr. Basketball and was twice named Greater Rochester Player of the Year.[1]

College career edit

In his first game at Vermont, Lamb scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and collected nine rebounds in a 94–70 win against Quinnipiac. This earned him America East Rookie of the Week recognition. He had his first double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds against UMass Lowell on January 19, 2017.[1] Lamb averaged 11.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game as a freshman. He was named to the Second–team All-America East and America East Rookie of the Year.[2]

Lamb missed half of his sophomore season with a foot injury.[3] He averaged 14.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.[4]

Lamb scored a career-high 42 points in an 83–76 double-overtime win against St. Bonaventure on December 18, 2018.[5] As a junior, Lamb averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game and led Vermont to a 27–7 record. He was named America East Player of the Year and was an AP Honorable Mention All-American.[6] Lamb was named America East tournament MOP after scoring 28 points in the championship against UMBC.[7]

On November 16, 2019, Lamb scored 23 points including the game-winning shot over two defenders to take down St. John's. This marked the first time Vermont beat a high-major program in over a decade. Lamb upped his point total from his previous outing by scoring 30 points including 25 after halftime on November 19, 2019, in a 61–55 loss to defending national champion Virginia.[8] At the close of the regular season, Lamb repeated as America East Player of the Year.[9]

Professional career edit

Canton Charge (2021) edit

After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Lamb was signed to a training camp contract by the Detroit Pistons on December 2, 2020.[10][11] He was waived on December 14 after appearing in 1 preseason game.[12] Lamb then signed with the Canton Charge of the NBA G League after being drafted sixth overall in the 2021 NBA G League draft.[13]

Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2021) edit

On February 25, 2021, Lamb was traded to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.[14] At the end of the season, Lamb was named the G League's Most Improved Player.[15]

Houston Rockets (2021) edit

On March 8, 2021, Lamb signed a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) after the Vipers were eliminated from the G League playoffs.[16] Lamb made his NBA debut on March 11, 2021, scoring three points and with one rebound in 13 minutes played. His appearance made him the first player from UVM to play in a regular-season NBA game.[17] On April 24, 2021, he was one of seven healthy players available for the Rockets and scored a career-high 21 points in a loss to the Denver Nuggets.[18] Lamb joined the Rockets for the 2021 NBA Summer League, and on September 4, 2021, the Rockets announced that they had signed Lamb to another two-way contract.[19] He was waived on October 18 after appearing in 1 preseason game.[20]

Return to Rio Grande Valley / San Antonio Spurs (2021–2022) edit

On November 3, 2021, Lamb re-signed with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers as a returning player.[21] He averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.[22]

On January 6, 2022, Lamb signed a 10-day contract with the San Antonio Spurs via the hardship exemption.[22] He appeared in two games for the Spurs, and following the expiration of the 10-day contract, he returned to the Vipers.

On March 23, 2022, the Houston Rockets signed Lamb to a two-way contract. He did not appear in a game, and became a free agent at the conclusion of the season.[23]

Golden State Warriors (2022–2023) edit

Lamb once again joined the Houston Rockets for the 2022 NBA Summer League. On October 5, 2022, Lamb signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Golden State Warriors. On October 14, his contract was converted into a two-way contract.[24] On March 17, 2023, Lamb's deal was converted into a standard NBA contract.[25]

New Zealand Breakers (2023–2024) edit

On October 10, 2023, Lamb signed with the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League (NBL) as an injury replacement for Justinian Jessup.[26][27] On February 4, 2024, Lamb ruptured his Achilles in a game against the Perth Wildcats, ending his season.[28][29]

Personal life edit

Lamb is the son of Rachel Lamb, who gave birth to him at the age of 17. She is a Union Roofer after previously working as a CNA. He first met his biological father, Nate Larkins, in November 2017. Lamb has a younger brother, Timothy. Lamb has been public about his struggle with clinical depression, including suicidal thoughts.[30]

Rape accusation and lawsuit edit

In 2021, Lamb was accused of committing rape while at the University of Vermont.[31][32] In December 2022, Lamb was named in a lawsuit against the University of Vermont where one of the plaintiffs alleged that she was anally raped by him; Lamb was not included as a defendant.[33][34] The University of Vermont was accused of purposefully mishandling the investigation to protect Lamb's reputation.[34]

Career statistics edit

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA edit

Regular season edit

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020–21 Houston 24 3 17.3 .390 .324 .857 2.9 1.0 .3 .2 5.5
2021–22 San Antonio 2 0 4.0 .5 1.0 .0 .0 .0
2022–23 Golden State 62 4 19.3 .471 .367 .767 3.5 1.5 .5 .3 6.7
Career 88 7 18.4 .447 .353 .790 3.3 1.4 .4 .3 6.2

Playoffs edit

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2023 Golden State 6 0 5.2 .400 .250 1.0 .0 .2 .2 .8
Career 6 0 5.2 .400 .250 1.0 .0 .2 .2 .8

References edit

  1. ^ a b Abrami, Alex (January 24, 2017). "Passion for basketball drives UVM freshman Lamb". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  2. ^ "Vermont's Historic Season Leads to Sweep of Men's #AEHoops Major Awards" (Press release). America East Conference. February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 27, 2017.
  3. ^ Abrami, Alex (March 8, 2019). "UVM basketball's Anthony Lamb named America East player of the year; Becker also honored". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  4. ^ Abrami, Alex (October 18, 2018). "UVM men's basketball: Catamounts picked to win America East Conference". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  5. ^ "Lamb scores 42, Vermont outlast St Bonaventure in 2 OTs". ESPN. Associated Press. December 18, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  6. ^ Walsh, Lauren (April 2, 2019). "Lamb earns AP All-America honors". My Champlain Valley. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  7. ^ "Lamb, Vermont deny UMBC repeat, win America East title game". ESPN. Associated Press. March 16, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  8. ^ "Diakite, No. 7 Virginia hold off Vermont, 61–55". ESPN. Associated Press. November 19, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  9. ^ "Lamb's Second Player of Year Honor Highlights 2019–20 Men's #AEHoops Honors" (Press release). America East Conference. March 6, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  10. ^ "Detroit Pistons Announce 2020–21 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  11. ^ Abrami, Alex (November 23, 2020). "UVM basketball's Anthony Lamb signs NBA contract with Detroit Pistons". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  12. ^ "Pistons waive LiAngelo Ball, 2 others". NBA. December 14, 2020.
  13. ^ "Charge Announce 2021 Roster". canton.gleague.nba.com. January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  14. ^ "Lamb joins RGW from Canton Charge". riograndevalley.gleague.nba.com. February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  15. ^ "RRio Grande Valley Vipers' Anthony Lamb Named 2020–21 NBA G League Most Improved Player". OurSports Central. March 18, 2021.
  16. ^ "Rockets Sign Anthony Lamb to Two-Way Contract". Houston Rockets Official Website. March 9, 2021. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  17. ^ "Houston Rockets' Anthony Lamb drains 3-pointer, makes NBA history for Vermont". burlingtonfreepress.com. March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  18. ^ "Rockets' Anthony Lamb: Excels with 21 points from bench". cbssports.com. April 24, 2021. Archived from the original on April 26, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  19. ^ "Rockets Re-Sign Anthony Lamb to Two-Way Contract". NBA.com. September 6, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  20. ^ "Rockets Claim Garrison Mathews off Waivers". NBA.com. October 18, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  21. ^ "VIPERS FINALIZE OPENING NIGHT ROSTER". NBA.com. November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  22. ^ a b "SPURS SIGN TYLER JOHNSON & ANTHONY LAMB TO 10-DAY CONTRACTS". NBA.com. January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  23. ^ Houston Rockets [@HoustonRockets] (March 23, 2022). "OFFICIAL: The Houston Rockets today announced they have signed forward Anthony Lamb to a two-way contract" (Tweet). Retrieved October 7, 2022 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ "Warriors Sign Anthony Lamb to Contract". NBA.com. October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  25. ^ Warriors PR [@WarriorsPR] (March 17, 2023). "Warriors convert forward Anthony Lamb to standard NBA contract:" (Tweet). Retrieved March 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ "Breakers sign former Warrior, G-League champion". NBL.com.au. October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  27. ^ "Golden State Warrior Joins Breakers on Eve of NBA Pre-Season Game in Portland". NZBreakers.basketball. October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  28. ^ Uluc, Olgun (February 5, 2024). "Breakers' Anthony Lamb suffers suspected Achilles tear". ESPN.com.au. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  29. ^ "Lamb injury severity revealed". NBL.com.au. February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  30. ^ Norlander, Matt (March 10, 2020). "The fight of his life: Vermont's Anthony Lamb opens up about getting through darkness on his way to greatness". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  31. ^ "Myers addresses Lamb signing amid 2021 sexual assault allegations". RSN. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  32. ^ Keane, Sean (October 3, 2022). "Golden State inks Lamb to training camp contract". Golden State Of Mind. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  33. ^ Andrews, Kendra (December 10, 2022). "Warriors' Anthony Lamb named in relation to Title IX lawsuit". ESPN. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  34. ^ a b Kreps, Daniel (December 8, 2022). "NBA Player Anthony Lamb Accused of Rape in Lawsuit Against University of Vermont". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 9, 2022.

External links edit