Jeremy Lin vs Derrick Rose, Brandon Jennings [POLL]: Did New York Knicks Make the Right Decision of Snubbing Linsanity for 2016-17 NBA Season?
As Jeremy Lin gears up to lead the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016-17 NBA season, some reports claimed that the New York Knicks were uninterested in a reunion during the free agency period. The franchise allegedly snubbed the then-free agent Linsanity because they see Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings as better point guards on the defensive end. Did the Knicks make the right decision?
Rose, Jennings vs Lin
Brian Lewis of New York Post wrote that a source told him the reunion between Lin and the Knicks did not materialize during the free agency period because of defensive concerns. Instead of acquiring their former star player, the Knicks opted to trade for Rose and sign Jennings in free agency to upgrade the team's point guard position.
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The revelation of Lewis' source ignited criticisms for the Knicks. According to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, the Knicks front office is thinking like it is still 2011. He opined that Lin is presently a better defender than Rose. He pointed out that Rose was a good defender during his prime but his exceptional athleticism has already faded.
Helin added Lin has a reputation as a poor defender but he already developed throughout the years. He stressed that the present Lin is a solid defender who can frustrate other guards.
Anirudh Subramanian of Sports Blog agreed with Helin that Lin is a better defender than Rose and Jennings. He said that Rose's only edge with Lin is the potential to bring more wins to the Knicks if he will stay healthy in the upcoming season.
Moreover, Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford recently affirmed Lin's versatility on the defensive end. He told the Charlotte Observer that among lost free agents, the team will miss Lin the most because of his ability to defend both point guards and shooting guards.
NBA Stats
Lin ranked 20th among NBA point guards in ESPN's Defensive Real Plus/Minus. The 28-year-old Ivy League player ranked higher than both Rose and Jennings in the metric. He also ranked better than other established point guards in the league, including Kemba Walker, Dennis Schroder and Rajon Rondo.
Rose, who is the 2011 NBA MVP and three-time NBA All-Star, accumulated an average of 16.4 points, 4.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds with the Chicago Bulls last season. Brandon Jennings averaged 6.9 points, 3.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds with Orlando Magic. On the other hand, Lin recorded an average of 11.7 points, 3.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds as secondary point guard of the Hornets.
Poll: Who's the Better Player?
Do you agree with the Knicks' decision to prefer Rose and Jennings over Lin? Who is the better point guard on the defensive end: Lin, Rose or Jennings? Share your thoughts by joining our poll below.
