Jeremy Lin News and Updates: How Will Starting Point Guard Fare for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016-17 NBA Regular Season
Jeremy Lin gained popularity during his Linsanity days in New York; an unheralded, undrafted player suddenly making waves by putting up big numbers when he was given the chance to lace up on the court.
After the hoopla, Lin's career can be described as that of a roller coaster. Last season with the Charlotte Hornets was one of the highs of his career, as he was effective coming off the bench and played a crucial role during the playoffs.
Great Days in Charlotte
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Lin averaged 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists on 26.3 minutes played per game. Lin played as Kemba Walker's backup, but during crucial moments in the end game, he would play shooting guard alongside Walker.
One of his highlights games last season with the Hornets was his 24-point, 8-assist performance in a come-from-behind victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also led the Hornets in a regular season win over San Antonio with 29 points. During these games, a common shootout among fans was, "Linsanity is back!"
Linsanity will never be back. All the hype surrounding a player whose rise to stardom is totally unexpected is gone, but Jeremy Lin will continue to be a solid NBA player who will have a long career in the league.
Indeed, Jeremy Lin was the third best player in the Hornets lineup, behind Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum. Marvin Williams could also be tied in third place with Lin.
Because of Lin's solid performance with the Hornets, his value increased, and knowing that, he astutely opted out of his 2-year contract with the team. As a result, he got a new deal, 3 years for $36 million, to play with the Brooklyn Nets.
Playing Starting Point Guard
Signing with the Brooklyn Nets gave Jeremy Lin an opportunity he didn't have in the last few seasons; being a starting point guard. Lin will surely play more minutes with the Nets, and this should improve his stats.
As a starting PG, Lin will be responsible for calling plays, creating shots, and facilitating the offense in general. That includes running picks, one of his strengths as a player.
Brooklyn's primary offensive threat is their center, Brook Lopez. The two can do pick-and-rolls all game, and if it gets too crowded in the paint, Lin can create shots for himself. He will probably be the team's second option in offense.
Play-off contention
Lin will almost certainly find success with the Brooklyn Nets. But he is not LeBron James and can only do so much for a team whose starting five is Jeremy Lin, Bojan Bogdanovic, Brook Lopez, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Trevor Booker (or Luis Scola).
The Eastern Conference is quite deep. The best chance for the Nets is if everyone stays healthy, Lin does better than is expected of him, the second team does an excellent job, and talented coach Kenny Atkinson uses his skills to shake up the team.
Potential Face of the Franchise
Based on his per 36 minutes stats last season, Lin will likely score around 16-18 points per game, including 6-8 assists. His FG percentage will thrive around 40 percent and less than 35 percent three-point shooting.
Lin will have a shot at becoming the team's face of the franchise due to his qualities on and off the court. Lin is still one of the most popular players in the league today. He is also a wholesome dude and is way better than last season's Nets point guards.
