Jeremy Lin a Big Loss for Charlotte Hornets, Former Teammates Kemba Walker, Nic Batum Claim; Will the Point Guard's Departure Affect the Franchise in the 2016-17 NBA Season?
Jeremy Lin was one of the eight Charlotte Hornet's free agents who left the team in the pre-season. The other two were Courtney Lee, who is now playing for the New York Knicks, and Al Jefferson, who is now with the Indiana Pacers.
When Kemba Walker was asked about Jeremy Lin's departure, he said, "I hate to see him go, but at the same time, I'm definitely happy for him. He deserves to be a starter in this league. He's such a great player and he proved that last season. There where games where I was off and he carried the team."
During the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Manila, where France won, Nicolas Batum shared the same sentiment, saying that losing Jeremy Lin is a huge loss for the Charlotte Hornets.
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Lin Goes to the Nets
Jeremy Lin signed a 3-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, amounting to $36 million. With the Nets, Lin said that the team is in many ways similar to a blank slate, especially since it has a new head coach and GM.
In an interview with Yes Network, Hornets head coach Kenny Atkinson said that his decision to bring Lin to Brooklyn was not only based on his experience working with him during his LinSanity days; it was also based on his overall body of work in the NBA, including his most recent performance with the Hornets.
He added that Lin will be a starting point guard and not a combo guard.
Lin averaged 11.7 points, 3.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game in his only season with the Hornets.
Walker on social justice
Kemba Walker wrote an essay in The Player's Tribune where he spoke about the recent injustices and violence in the world. Walker particularly pointed out the large number of police brutality and gun violence going on.
Walker had his most successful season in 2015-16 to date, averaging 20.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game He also helped the Hornets reach game 7 in the first round of the 2016 Playoffs against Miami Heat.
During the ESPYS, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony also took the stage and talked about the current state of America, which Anthony describes as having a broken system, recurring problems, continuing racial divide, and there is an urgent need for change.
