Jeremy Lin and Kenny Atkinson Reunite in the Brooklyn Nets
Jeremy Lin will play for the Brooklyn Nets and head coach Kenny Atkinson this coming NBA 2016-17 Season. Atkinson and Lin used to be with the New York Knicks; the former New York Knicks assistant head coach was with Jeremy during his "Linsanity" days.
Lin's decision to move out of Charlotte Hornets may have been a financial decision; he opted out of the $2.2 million player option offered by the Hornets. Instead, he got a 3-year, $36 million deal to play for the Nets, plus a chance to play as a starter.
Atkinson and Lin in New York
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Aside from the money, one of the main reasons Lin may have chosen to go to the Brooklyn Nets was to be reunited with Atkinson. Back in the day, Atkinson was the player-development assistant coach for New York, and he bonded in the gym with Lin.
Nobody expected Lin to breakout and become the world's favorite underdog story for a time. The Knicks were even ready to release him until he surprised everyone.
During the spectacular run by an unheralded, undrafted NBA player, the New York Knicks had a 7-game winning streak; Lin averaged 24.4 points, 9.1 assists and 4 rebounds per game during that span. Before that, the Knicks lost 11 of 13 games, and coach Mike D'Antoni was eager to get a spark going. Turns out Jeremy Lin was that spark.
In an interview with ESPN, Atkinson said "When he hit the shot in Toronto, it gave me chills… Those are the moments where you get emotional. It wasn't just, 'Wow, we won!' To see that kid and what he went through and see that this was actually possible, it wasn't just a happy moment. It was an emotional moment."
Parting ways
Lin eventually left the Knicks, spending two seasons with the Houston Rockets, then going to the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets last season. He had his struggles, especially during his Rockets and Lakers days; committing turnovers and being inconsistent in his shooting.
He had a better season with the Hornets, helping the team reach the Playoffs, losing to the first round in 7 games to the Miami Heat.
Lin even had a couple "Linsanity moments" near the end of the season and during the Playoffs. Lin attributes his near Linsanity 2.0 moments to being comfortable with his teammates. He said, "I think being comfortable and not thinking as much on the court and letting the ball fly and having fun."
Atkinson spent 4 seasons as an assistant coach with the Hawks. He also became a director of player development for the Houston Rockets. He even had coaching stints overseas, including coaching the Dominican Republic for the FIBA Americas tournament last summer.
Atkinson and Lin Reunites
Atkinson is grateful, even emotional, to be back in his hometown to coach. Now, his family doesn't have to bear with him not being around. Upon accepting the head coach position, Atkinson was one of the primary forces behind landing Jeremy Lin to a $36 million deal to play for the Nets.
Atkinson said that Lin has improved as a player. He added that he felt Lin had to go through all the mistakes he made with Los Angeles and Houston, and now he has become a more mature player.
Lin's performance with the Hornets convinced Atkinson that he is ready for the big stage.
Lin is excited about playing for Atkinson again. He said, "I know how much he was there for me in New York." He added that Atkinson is energetic and passionate as a coach.
