Jeremy Lin Denies NBA Rumors – 'Absolutely' Returning to the Knicks?
Jeremy Lin has been leaving fans in suspense after rumors surfaced about him agreeing to sign a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets during his restricted free agency, however the New York Knicks coach and Harvard graduate have been dropping hints that seem to point to an extended stay in the city that never sleeps.
Although reports surfaced about Lin being unhappy with the Knicks for failing to initiate an offer similar to the reported four-year $28.8 million contract that the Houston Rockets have extended to him, the point guard took to Twitter to deny league rumors.
"Lol Why do you guys believe everything," Lin questioned on Twitter. "No quotes from me = probably not true."
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The point guard seemed to dispel rumors of discourse between him and the team further when he accepted the "Best Breakthrough Athlete" award at the 2012 ESPYs on Wednesday night." After thanking God and his family, Lin spent a portion of his speech speaking fondly about his teammates and Knicks fans.
"I want to say thank my teammates as well. J.R. Smith, Landry (are) in the building," Lin told the ESPN audience. "Lastly I want to thank all the fans, first the city of New York for embracing us. Thank you for rallying behind us."
Mike Woodson, New York Knicks head coach, said he was sure that Lin would rally behind the team next season despite the rumors about him leaving for Houston. He said the team "never once" blinked at the reported offer from the Rockets.
"Jeremy Lin has always been a big part of what we we're trying to do as we move forward with our franchise," Woodson said in an ESPN report after his team's summer league practice on Wednesday.
Although some questioned Lin's role on the team when the Knicks recently signed veteran point guard Jason Kidd, Woodson said the decision was made with Lin in mind.
"Jason's a veteran guy that brings leadership and I thought it would be a perfect fit for Jeremy Lin in terms of being able to tutor him as he grows as a point guard for our franchise, and Jason can still play and run a ballclub," Woodson said before the Knicks' summer league team practiced. "So that's important I think as we move forward."
While Lin has yet to officially sign an offer sheet with the Rockets as some predicted, the Knicks will have three days to match any offer from Houston if and when it happens. Still, Woodson told ESPN that Lin will "absolutely" be back.
