The Official Lin Net Thread

[bws94]

Stats just go and fit confirmation bias. I saw the Hornets games, just about everyone of them. Lin stepped up. He stepped up against tough teams and at times carried the team. Batum said so, Kemba said so. He was horrible in some games and had horrible stretches, but he was pure dynamite in some games as well, and really big ones. He, at times, resembles a star player and at other times a middling bench player. It's not all about this stat vs. that stat, it's true in-game situations. I don't think the Hornets win a playoff game without Lin. Lin had an awful game 6, but that was his only awful playoff game. Games 3 and 4 aren't about his stats, but more about him stepping up, driving into the teeth of the defense, making plays, and providing the team as a strong weapon that scored at times, assisted at times, or freed guys up and had Miami scrambling at times. Along with Kemba, they were a tandem. They were the "slash" brothers outperforming Lowry and DeRozan in the first series at least.

It's all the same stuff over and over and over with Lin. Let's just play the games this season. Those that downplay his game, the YBs and Mystical Apples from the Charlotte board will do so. Others on that board, like Fatlever talked of the importance of Lin on the Hornets. It's all bias anyway. But the "prove stuff to Lin fans" gets old. Lin fans are varied, look at different things, and some just like watching him play. Some see more flaws than others. Lin sounds like he is transitioning his game, less drives and more mid-range. I hope so, he gets predictable when he doesn't use the mid-range. So, he has a big role on this team, he'll have his ups and downs, and if he stays healthy, he'll provide exciting moments that hopefully helps result in helping bring the Nets more wins than is expected. But he's not doing it alone, he's part of the Nets team that will do it. He'll just direct some of it.

[13th Man]

A lot of Lin's previous stats will become moot if he's allowed to play his optimum role and minutes. If he can improve on his shooting (which I believe he will) then he should have a productive year. I believe that he's improved as a player over the years in terms of game understanding and poise so looking forward to his progression/evolution this year.

[fafan]

[yosemiteben]

Lin stepped up. He stepped up against tough teams and at times carried the team.

...

Those that downplay his game, the YBs and Mystical Apples from the Charlotte board will do so. Others on that board, like Fatlever talked of the importance of Lin on the Hornets.

Lin stepped up in some big games (for support, look at the "11 games" that certain Lin fans on here have cited). I certainly haven't denied that.

However, you also can't deny that there were other games where he disappeared. Just look at the box scores on the dates I posted earlier in this thread. I don't think acknowledging that he had off games is downplaying his game, I think it's just being objective.

[qiantom]

Lin stepped up. He stepped up against tough teams and at times carried the team.

...

Those that downplay his game, the YBs and Mystical Apples from the Charlotte board will do so. Others on that board, like Fatlever talked of the importance of Lin on the Hornets.

Lin stepped up in some big games (for support, look at the "11 games" that certain Lin fans on here have cited). I certainly haven't denied that.

However, you also can't deny that there were other games where he disappeared. Just look at the box scores on the dates I posted earlier in this thread. I don't think acknowledging that he had off games is downplaying his game, I think it's just being objective.

You have to admit you just love speaking nonsense at times. Which player does not have games where he disappeared, or even worse, did more bad than good? Which bench player does not have many games where he disappeared?

You know what? Lin is healthy and alive today but some day he will certainly die. That's also being objective. Talking about such things is not being objective. It is simply nonsense.

[yosemiteben]

You have to admit you just love speaking nonsense at times. Which player does not have games where he disappeared, or even worse, did more bad than good? Which bench player does not have many games where he disappeared?

So then stating that Lin was inconsistent is stating the obvious and should be expected as he was a bench player, even if that bench player is expected by many on here to be at worst an average caliber starter?

ETA: I understand the argument that he had a lesser role and that might account for his relative inefficiency and inconsistency. I think there's validity to that - his ideal role is not as a C&S 3&D wing in a 3 point heavy offense and he may take a huge step forward next year. That doesn't change the fact that he was a clunky fit for us and at times was quite frustratingly inconsistent.

[qiantom]

You have to admit you just love speaking nonsense at times. Which player does not have games where he disappeared, or even worse, did more bad than good? Which bench player does not have many games where he disappeared?

So then stating that Lin was inconsistent is stating the obvious and should be expected as he was a bench player, even if that bench player is expected by many on here to be at worst an average caliber starter?

Too much exaggeration. I don't see many saying he is at worst an average caliber starter. Nobody knows how good a starter he is right now since he has not started much for at least one and a half season. We will find out next season. But people can hope that he becomes an average caliber starter.

People are aware of his shortcomings. There is no need for you to point those out every time someone says something positive about Lin. You think those that think he is GOAT will change because of you?

And yes, inconsistency is over-emphasized sometimes. For bench players, consistency does not mean much. Those that are consistent are more likely consistently bad.

[bws94]

Lin stepped up. He stepped up against tough teams and at times carried the team.

...

Those that downplay his game, the YBs and Mystical Apples from the Charlotte board will do so. Others on that board, like Fatlever talked of the importance of Lin on the Hornets.

Lin stepped up in some big games (for support, look at the "11 games" that certain Lin fans on here have cited). I certainly haven't denied that.

However, you also can't deny that there were other games where he disappeared. Just look at the box scores on the dates I posted earlier in this thread. I don't think acknowledging that he had off games is downplaying his game, I think it's just being objective.

So then don't cut off the part where I say he had miserable stretches. We've established that and I acknowledged it. But those 11 games matter. And those 3 games he helped win in the playoffs really matter.

[Roy Tarpley]

I guess this image confirms that Booker is the starting PF and Bogs is the starting SG?

[TinmanZBoy]

You have to admit you just love speaking nonsense at times. Which player does not have games where he disappeared, or even worse, did more bad than good? Which bench player does not have many games where he disappeared?

So then stating that Lin was inconsistent is stating the obvious and should be expected as he was a bench player, even if that bench player is expected by many on here to be at worst an average caliber starter?

Too much exaggeration. I don't see many saying he is at worst an average caliber starter. Nobody knows how good a starter he is right now since he has not started much for at least one and a half season. We will find out next season. But people can hope that he becomes an average caliber starter.

People are aware of his shortcomings. There is no need for you to point those out every time someone says something positive about Lin. You think those that think he is GOAT will change because of you?

And yes, inconsistency is over-emphasized sometimes. For bench players, consistency does not mean much. Those that are consistent are more likely consistently bad.

I don't necessarily agree with YB on Lin. To be fair though, Lin is inconsistent throughout his career after Linsanity (4 years). Consistency was his main issue, even he himself admitted that. I think that's the main reason why media (Woj etc.) and GMs consider him a low end starter high end backup. Certainly you can argue there were a lot circumstances not in his favor like being in teams with ball dominant players, injuries etc...However, 4 years is not a small sample size and all players are being judged the same way, regardless injuries, system fit issues. Hopefully, this coming season will be more telling since Lin will have the ball in his hands a lot more.
I would say Lin excelled at the role that he was given last season, although he could have done better, like shooting etc...However, I believe he can do more and has more to give... he is the type of player who can give you more when being asked for more, hopefully we will see it this season.

[ChokeFasncists]

It is quite interesting that the stats of the second year of RHJ in college and MKG's 1 year in college are real close; same with their first year NBA stats.

They both have unorthodox shooting form but RHJ's does look better.

It's really too bad Lin and MKG didn't get to play together, the fast break!

It'd be interesting to see what him and RHJ can do in the open court and with lobs and stuff.

Just a reminder: Lin was arguably the most important player in the 6 most important wins of the team last season: Cavs, Spurs, Heat (FTs), PO x 3; ending several long franchise losing streaks and getting the first three franchise playoffs wins for the team. Gotta appreciate that.

[Kswiss]

It is quite interesting that the stats of the second year of RHJ in college and MKG's 1 year in college are real close; same with their first year NBA stats.

They both have unorthodox shooting form but RHJ's does look better.

It's really too bad Lin and MKG didn't get to play together, the fast break!

It'd be interesting to see what him and RHJ can do in the open court and with lobs and stuff.

Just a reminder: Lin was arguably the most important player in the 6 most important wins of the team last season: Cavs, Spurs, Heat (FTs), PO x 3; ending several long franchise losing streaks and getting the first three franchise playoffs wins for the team. Gotta appreciate that.

I agree that Lin has the highest ceiling of any Hornets player last year, and showcased it in the biggest games with the pressure on. The question is mainly whether he can trim out the 5-10 disappearing games he had last season and realize his potential. Of course with the ball in his hands, and starting minutes, it's gonna be much more difficult for him to dissapear or not be given minutes and opportunities on offense when he misses a few shots. I think he could put up some massive numbers and win a lot more games than people expect. Having watched a lot of Lin's games, Ive always considered him kind of like a mini-Lebron in terms of team elevation impact. Lebron is the far superior player but they have the same playing style and attitude albeit at different positions and sizes. So if Lebron can transform a lottery team to instantly the best team in the East, I gotta believe Lin can elevate the Nets to at least a respectable record and hopefully a playoff birth

[MrDollarBills]

I guess this image confirms that Booker is the starting PF and Bogs is the starting SG?

If Booker can knock down the three in games consistently I have no problem with that starting 5 esp. If Bojan continues to play confident and aggressive

Lopez: 23ppg 8rpg 2blks
Booker: 12PPG 9rpg 1blk
RHJ: 10ppg 7rpg 3apg 2stils 1blk
Bojan: 15ppg 4rbs
Lin: 18ppg 7apg

^^^optimistic outlook.

[Roy Tarpley]

I guess this image confirms that Booker is the starting PF and Bogs is the starting SG?

If Booker can knock down the three in games consistently I have no problem with that starting 5 esp. If Bojan continues to play confident and aggressive

Lopez: 23ppg 8rpg 2blks
Booker: 12PPG 9rpg 1blk
RHJ: 10ppg 7rpg 3apg 2stils 1blk
Bojan: 15ppg 4rbs
Lin: 18ppg 7apg

^^^optimistic outlook.

I agree with your numbers though I think Lopez's won't be as high. I think Booker/RHJ will gobble up more rebounds and Lopez won't need to score as much.

[hood30]

I guess this image confirms that Booker is the starting PF and Bogs is the starting SG?

If Booker can knock down the three in games consistently I have no problem with that starting 5 esp. If Bojan continues to play confident and aggressive

Lopez: 23ppg 8rpg 2blks
Booker: 12PPG 9rpg 1blk
RHJ: 10ppg 7rpg 3apg 2stils 1blk
Bojan: 15ppg 4rbs
Lin: 18ppg 7apg

^^^optimistic outlook.

Agree that the key here is Booker...If Booker does not take enough 3's and make 34% or better, than it's a problem.

Bogs can be hidden with RHJ taking the task of guarding the toughest wing player..For example, when Brooklyn plays Charlotte, let RHJ guard Batum and Bogs would guard MKG.

If Bogs can give you half of the scoring he did on the Olympic, that should be good enough.

Bogs at 15ppg...Lin at 15-17ppg and Lopez at 21ppg...All you'll need is find an additional 45 point elsewhere...That won't be easy since Booker and RHJ aren't scoring threat.

In reality, Lin will need to get closer to Lopez at around 20ppg..or maybe Bogs...My sense is one of either Lin/Bogs gets around 18ppg or better..and the other should get 15ppg.

If that happens where you have Lopez at 20ppg...Lin at 18ppg...and Bogs at 15ppg...that's 53ppg with 3/5 of your starters...

Expecting 20ppg between RHJ/Booker reasonable?..If that happens, you get 73ppg out of the starting 5.

That means you'd only need about 27ppg out of your bench to get to 100ppg per game for the team...

Can we expect 27ppg from the Nets bench?..specially with Kilpatrick who should be able to score a bit...after him, I have trouble seeing who can add into the scoring..Maybe Harris can come in and give them something, specially has a good 3PT shooter.

[MrDollarBills]

honestly we need Bojan to really give us 17 to 20 points a night on average, its his job to be a scorer not Lin. I don't think we need Lin to score 20 or better he needs to just attack off of the PnR, make his outside shots and get the ball to Lopez in motion.

Kilpatrick will drop buckets. I have no worries about him doing his job, he is fearless whether it be pulling up from three, midrange J or taking it to the rim for scores. i don't know where else scoring will come from though off of the bench.

[reelsgm]

Spoiler:

I guess this image confirms that Booker is the starting PF and Bogs is the starting SG?

No, the only thing it confirms is Lin's army of fan eyeballs around the world will locate every last morsel of info posted on the internet about the Brooklyn Nets, much as Hornets fans discovered last season.

That graphic was designed by a 22yo graduate student, Serbian NBA/Lakers fan living in Belgrade. It has zero relationship to the Nets or their starting lineup.

http://vndesign.yolasite.com/bio.php

[MrDollarBills]

^^to be fair, those are the 5 best players on the team at the moment.

[spaceballer]

Another sighting of former Nets shooting coach/consultant David Nurse practicing with Jeremy a couple of days ago.

Spoiler:

JLin's new haircut in honor of birth of his nephew Jaden Peter Lin.

Spoiler:

He's got a facebook entry about the basketball camp in East Palo Alto. It seems the camp was sponsored by several parties, not just Team Esface.

Huge shoutout to the camp sponsors and all who helped out: Team Esface , Boys & Girls Club, NBA, adidas, Facebook, Chipotle, and Jamba Juice.

Also a new facebook post from Jeremy about the impact that Ava had on his life:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1817447195156547&id=1456505354584068

Some of the stuff that Ava's mother writes on her facebook page is truly heart-wrenching, like this post about finding out she was pregnant:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1804576986423832&id=1731864397028425
Some of it is pretty painful to read, some snippets:

The day I found out I was pregnant with Ava, I ran my last 5 miles and promptly turned in my running shoes. I didn't give a backwards glance. There were better things to look forward to than races and training and runner's high.
----
Just me and her and God.

I would talk to her as I walked outside, whispering my excitement and joy. And I promised her I would be a good mama and that I would protect her and cherish her. I thanked God for giving me such a beautiful and holy responsibility.

I would care for her better than I would care for myself, I softly spoke this to her in my sleep and in my waking hours. Two days later, I revealed Ava's existence to Mike and we reveled in our secret together.

Just Mike, Me, her, and God.
-----
But just in the past 72 hours, we watched fluid fill her little body to the point that it hurt to walk. We watched as her eyes slowly lost its sparkle. We watched as doctors and nurses poked her again and again in her private area, as they failed to properly catheterize her. We watched as she cowered in fear, rolled up into a ball to escape the many hands prodding her. We watched as her pain grew unbearable and she screamed out for medicine, begging for more and more morphine so that she could sleep it all away. We watched as her kidney function worsened and her body braced itself for kidney failure. Tomorrow, we will watch as she goes through another procedure to drain her left kidney.

I am not the mama I had promised to be. I am powerless, helpless, hopeless to help her. I can only watch in horror as she is devoured by this disease.

So, this is where our faith matters. Either God is for us. Or He is against us. Either God loves us or He doesn't. Either God is good or He's not.

This is where we either die from the pain or we rise up like a phoenix out of the fire. And, Oh God, the fire is so, so hot.
-----
But maybe we are thinking of it all wrong. Maybe the bright life we dreamed for her, wasn't really hers in the way we thought. Maybe her life is meant to light the path for someone else, someone who is lost.
-----
And, though every fiber of our being blanches at the thought of walking another step on this wretched, mangled, thorny path, we put one bloody foot in front of the freaking other. All together now.

Just mike, me, her, you, and God.

[tonman]

So then stating that Lin was inconsistent is stating the obvious and should be expected as he was a bench player, even if that bench player is expected by many on here to be at worst an average caliber starter?

Too much exaggeration. I don't see many saying he is at worst an average caliber starter. Nobody knows how good a starter he is right now since he has not started much for at least one and a half season. We will find out next season. But people can hope that he becomes an average caliber starter.

People are aware of his shortcomings. There is no need for you to point those out every time someone says something positive about Lin. You think those that think he is GOAT will change because of you?

And yes, inconsistency is over-emphasized sometimes. For bench players, consistency does not mean much. Those that are consistent are more likely consistently bad.

I don't necessarily agree with YB on Lin. To be fair though, Lin is inconsistent throughout his career after Linsanity (4 years). Consistency was his main issue, even he himself admitted that. I think that's the main reason why media (Woj etc.) and GMs consider him a low end starter high end backup. Certainly you can argue there were a lot circumstances not in his favor like being in teams with ball dominant players, injuries etc...However, 4 years is not a small sample size and all players are being judged the same way, regardless injuries, system fit issues. Hopefully, this coming season will be more telling since Lin will have the ball in his hands a lot more.
I would say Lin excelled at the role that he was given last season, although he could have done better, like shooting etc...However, I believe he can do more and has more to give... he is the type of player who can give you more when being asked for more, hopefully we will see it this season.

People throw the consistency word around without context. Consistent in what? Was Lin's role consistent night in and night out? If Kemba is hot and dropping 20 should Lin just start chucking? His scoring wasn't consistent and his shooting wasn't consistent but as a 6th man, he was what the hornets needed aND as someone who could play both guard spots he brought versatility to the team. So his mere presence provided the hornets was consistency enough as a game plan. Now if he shot better etc. And personally more consistent play then he as well as the hornets may have done a bit better last season. But then folks would be pointing their finger at the bench guy as the reason the team didn't go further so that doesn't make much sense. I spent two seasons seasons listening to some rockets fans claim lin wasn't in the teams top 5 best players and that he was trash. Yet when the team lost all those supposed players better than him weren't the reason the Rockets lost.