Not In The Face - The Jeremy Lin Thread 3

[Vae Victus]

Naw i feel Lin really thought he could come in here and take Kemba's starting job from him. Sure Kemba got extended and is the "face" of the franchise, but looking at his stats the previous 4 years, i'm sure that conversation with Clifford and Cho involves him getting the "chance" to show what he could do and things will go from there *wink wink*. I mean for Lin to sign for peanuts and be totally "happy" with a low paid bench role when he coulda gone to plenty of other places just screams of that scenario.

As i said many times, Kemba STEPPED up. He's playing at an unprecedented level considering his past. He felt Lin bearing down on him and he went and did what he was supposed to do to protect his spot, play harder and better (didnt have that pressure in the past). Kudos to him and sucks for Lin since its totally affecting his ability to play the role he envisioned himself coming here to do, play 16-18 mins as backup to Kemba when he sits as sole facilitator, and 10-16 mins as backup SG doing what he's always done ala HOU/LAL, play caddie to the "superstar" when they both play together. Outplay Kemba in the time he's in and go from there.

Except Kemba threw a wrench in that plan and now Lin is relegated to the 3rd facilitator now with Batum wanting extensive playmaking duties (which is honestly stupid as Batum's D has dropped off a cliff since he's so focused on O).

I mean honestly, if Kemba played like old Kemba shooting under 38% and the same old lazy lackluster defense, penchant for ignoring others, and more chucking (despite more options), and Lin playing about the way he's playing now, i'm sure ya'll old guard would say, "****, give Lin a chance and see what happens."

Whoops, sorry Lin, u just made a bad bet. Either that or step the **** up you goddamn underachieving scrub.

I'm of the old asian mindset, if i dont care about and have no expectation of you i dont care whether you fail or succeed. But if i do care AND think you have the potential for great things and you keep **** it all up , well im gonna come down on you like a bag of bricks. Lin has shown flashes of greatness and he's without a shadow of doubt proven he wont be a superstar, but goddamn he can totally be a 17/7 player with solid defense if he can get his stupid head out of his ass and man the **** up.

Its the old story, "but parent, i scored a 95 and got top ranks in the class why are you still mad/disappointed?!?" "well yea you still missed 5 points and its obvious you're the smartest kid in the class, so do better!"

Even if he only plays 15 mins next game, he needs to DO SOMETHING in those 15 mins to prove he deserves more, whether unfair or not, thats not the real issue, he needs to go **** balls out when his number is clled.

[yosemiteben]

Naw i feel Lin really thought he could come in here and take Kemba's starting job from him. Sure Kemba got extended and is the "face" of the franchise, but looking at his stats the previous 4 years, i'm sure that conversation with Clifford and Cho involves him getting the "chance" to show what he could do and things will go from there *wink wink*. I mean for Lin to sign for peanuts and be totally "happy" with a low paid bench role when he coulda gone to plenty of other places just screams of that scenario.

...or it is what it is and you just don't want to accept it so you have to invent that scenario to justify your argument.

[ChokeFasncists]

He's not a starter in this league unless he's playing next to a Harden or Kobe in the backcourt...

Mind elaborating?

I think Houston and the Lakers mishandled Jeremy.

If I had a SG who is a scorer, handles the ball a lot and can create then Jeremy is good as a starter at PG.

He has size, he can play off the ball, he can/could shoot and he plays hard on both sides of the ball.

I don't want the ball in his hands a lot and I don't want him to be the main scorer on the floor unless it's with the second unit.

With the second unit I'm fine with it, which is why I like him more as a backup.

Fair points. How about as a passer/facilitator? (especially starting)

He wasn't very good playing off the ball before tho, he has improved because McHale wanted the ball in Harden's hand at all times. He played with Kobe fine but they weren't trying to win games.

So the knock is still his handles and TOs?

[Tracymcgoaty]

He's not a starter in this league unless he's playing next to a Harden or Kobe in the backcourt...

Mind elaborating?

I think Houston and the Lakers mishandled Jeremy.

If I had a SG who is a scorer, handles the ball a lot and can create then Jeremy is good as a starter at PG.

He has size, he can play off the ball, he can/could shoot and he plays hard on both sides of the ball.

I don't want the ball in his hands a lot and I don't want him to be the main scorer on the floor unless it's with the second unit.

With the second unit I'm fine with it, which is why I like him more as a backup.

I think lin can be a starter on a couple of teams in the NBA. I would not want him to be the main scorer either on my team. But i'd take Lin as PG over kemba any day, He is a better facilitator than kemba is and gets his guys going in the game. He has to train his handles thats a given. but even with his shaky handles i'd take him anyday as a PG over Kemba.

[bigbob]

Naw i feel Lin really thought he could come in here and take Kemba's starting job from him. Sure Kemba got extended and is the "face" of the franchise, but looking at his stats the previous 4 years, i'm sure that conversation with Clifford and Cho involves him getting the "chance" to show what he could do and things will go from there *wink wink*. I mean for Lin to sign for peanuts and be totally "happy" with a low paid bench role when he coulda gone to plenty of other places just screams of that scenario.

As i said many times, Kemba STEPPED up. He's playing at an unprecedented level considering his past. He felt Lin bearing down on him and he went and did what he was supposed to do to protect his spot, play harder and better (didnt have that pressure in the past). Kudos to him and sucks for Lin since its totally affecting his ability to play the role he envisioned himself coming here to do, play 16-18 mins as backup to Kemba when he sits as sole facilitator, and 10-16 mins as backup SG doing what he's always done ala HOU/LAL, play caddie to the "superstar" when they both play together. Outplay Kemba in the time he's in and go from there.

Except Kemba threw a wrench in that plan and now Lin is relegated to the 3rd facilitator now with Batum wanting extensive playmaking duties (which is honestly stupid as Batum's D has dropped off a cliff since he's so focused on O).

I mean honestly, if Kemba played like old Kemba shooting under 38% and the same old lazy lackluster defense, penchant for ignoring others, and more chucking (despite more options), and Lin playing about the way he's playing now, i'm sure ya'll old guard would say, "****, give Lin a chance and see what happens."

Whoops, sorry Lin, u just made a bad bet. Either that or step the **** up you goddamn underachieving scrub.

I'm of the old asian mindset, if i dont care about and have no expectation of you i dont care whether you fail or succeed. But if i do care AND think you have the potential for great things and you keep **** it all up , well im gonna come down on you like a bag of bricks. Lin has shown flashes of greatness and he's without a shadow of doubt proven he wont be a superstar, but goddamn he can totally be a 17/7 player with solid defense if he can get his stupid head out of his ass and man the **** up.

Its the old story, "but parent, i scored a 95 and got top ranks in the class why are you still mad/disappointed?!?" "well yea you still missed 5 points and its obvious you're the smartest kid in the class, so do better!"

Even if he only plays 15 mins next game, he needs to DO SOMETHING in those 15 mins to prove he deserves more, whether unfair or not, thats not the real issue, he needs to go **** balls out when his number is clled.

calm down breh, its just a game. Funny thing is people take this way too seriously, and its a real shame the direction things are heading. In the past basketball players weren't paid so much money, no athlete was paid that much PERIOD. Nowadays you have conversations about giving these guys $30 million an year to play a damn game. Sad the way things are headed.

Whats even crazier is that video games are going to take over sports in terms of earnings in the next few decades. Almost 20 MILLION people watched the dota championships...thats almost half of super bowl viewership numbers. The crazy thing is, the dota tournament was only created like 5 years back. In a few more years, esports are going to eclipse even soccer. In the end, basketball, soccer, football, even video games are all just games. You shouldn't need to take it seriously.

I personally am looking forward to the videogame revolution. At the same time, im also a bit worried about it...If video games provide a legit earning pathway to the nerds and geeks out there, then real genius level types of people, the next generation einsteins of the world, are going to be funnelled away from research and their talent is going to be wasted in games instead.

[Vae Victus]

No... i'm just using common sense. And having followed Lin for awhile and knowing how bad he wants to be considered a top notch PG, i dont think being content with someone's backup is exactly part of the plan. He knows what's at stake and the bull burden he has to bear in all the hopes and dreams of asian-american athletes around here. He HAS to try to aspire to be more, not only for us but for his own self respect as a man to whether he has given his all to be the best he can be.

I mean sure this MIGHT be all he can be, thats just fate, sometimes one doesnt have the mojo to get over the hurdle, no shame in that except Lin still is still young enough that im sure he thinks he can be MUCH better if given the reigns/trust/starting spot of a team.

So far IMO he hasnt really been given that opportunity to "shine", the only "true" time that happened was during Linsanity where Dantoni was down his 1st-3rd string PGs and desperate had to throw him in there and do whatever he wanted. In HOU it was Harden's team and he did whatever he pleased and became the defacto PG. Ditto in LAL, where it was all about the black mamba and how he was gonna catch MJ last year, then leading to his utterly ridiculous benching and subsequent marginalization by the team for Ronnie **** Price of all people.

Lin needs to do whatever is best for himself to reach the next level. It's be to be a starter SOMEWHERE sink or swim (my bet is wherever Dantoni ends up next year), if he sinks then at least we all (most importantly himself) know without a shadow of doubt that he never had what it takes.

[bigbob]

No... i'm just using common sense. And having followed Lin for awhile and knowing how bad he wants to be considered a top notch PG, i dont think being content with someone's backup is exactly part of the plan. He knows what's at stake and the bull burden he has to bear in all the hopes and dreams of asian-american athletes around here. He HAS to try to aspire to be more, not only for us but for his own self respect as a man to whether he has given his all to be the best he can be.

I mean sure this MIGHT be all he can be, thats just fate, sometimes one doesnt have the mojo to get over the hurdle, no shame in that except Lin still is still young enough that im sure he thinks he can be MUCH better if given the reigns/trust/starting spot of a team.

So far IMO he hasnt really been given that opportunity to "shine", the only "true" time that happened was during Linsanity where Dantoni was down his 1st-3rd string PGs and desperate had to throw him in there and do whatever he wanted. In HOU it was Harden's team and he did whatever he pleased and became the defacto PG. Ditto in LAL, where it was all about the black mamba and how he was gonna catch MJ last year, then leading to his utterly ridiculous benching and subsequent marginalization by the team for Ronnie **** Price of all people.

Lin needs to do whatever is best for himself to reach the next level. It's be to be a starter SOMEWHERE sink or swim (my bet is wherever Dantoni ends up next year), if he sinks then at least we all (most importantly himself) know without a shadow of doubt that he never had what it takes.

like i said, calm down its not the end of the world. Its just a game and the absolutely disgusting amounts of money these "athletes" get paid to do it is a joke in itself. Im not usually an anarchist, but stuff like this makes me happy with the esports revolution thats about to hit. Sure it doesn't really make much of a difference to the world if these dumb jock monkeys without any education bounce or kick a ball up and down the court/field, but once the guys that really run this world start to head down the same path because of esports, thats when I predict this world will really burn to the ground . Sorry for the rant, but your ridiculous post got to me.

[Tracymcgoaty]

No... i'm just using common sense. And having followed Lin for awhile and knowing how bad he wants to be considered a top notch PG, i dont think being content with someone's backup is exactly part of the plan. He knows what's at stake and the bull burden he has to bear in all the hopes and dreams of asian-american athletes around here. He HAS to try to aspire to be more, not only for us but for his own self respect as a man to whether he has given his all to be the best he can be.

I mean sure this MIGHT be all he can be, thats just fate, sometimes one doesnt have the mojo to get over the hurdle, no shame in that except Lin still is still young enough that im sure he thinks he can be MUCH better if given the reigns/trust/starting spot of a team.

So far IMO he hasnt really been given that opportunity to "shine", the only "true" time that happened was during Linsanity where Dantoni was down his 1st-3rd string PGs and desperate had to throw him in there and do whatever he wanted. In HOU it was Harden's team and he did whatever he pleased and became the defacto PG. Ditto in LAL, where it was all about the black mamba and how he was gonna catch MJ last year, then leading to his utterly ridiculous benching and subsequent marginalization by the team for Ronnie **** Price of all people.

Lin needs to do whatever is best for himself to reach the next level. It's be to be a starter SOMEWHERE sink or swim (my bet is wherever Dantoni ends up next year), if he sinks then at least we all (most importantly himself) know without a shadow of doubt that he never had what it takes.

Dewd he played 16 min this game while Lamb and Spencer decided to play Pg everytime they rebounded instead of giving it to the PG of their unit. what do you want from him? he has been good this season but he should go somewhere he can play his position. he wont do that here in charlotte. But charlotte has been a breath of fresh air for Lin its a nice place good fanbase and all. But I look for Lin to find another team next season.

[Vae Victus]

calm down breh, its just a game. Funny thing is people take this way too seriously, and its a real shame the direction things are heading. In the past basketball players weren't paid so much money, no athlete was paid that much PERIOD. Nowadays you have conversations about giving these guys $30 million an year to play a damn game. Sad the way things are headed.

Whats even crazier is that video games are going to take over sports in terms of earnings in the next few decades. Almost 20 MILLION people watched the dota championships...thats almost half of super bowl viewership numbers. The crazy thing is, the dota tournament was only created like 5 years back. In a few more years, esports are going to eclipse even soccer. In the end, basketball, soccer, football, even video games are all just games. You shouldn't need to take it seriously.

I personally am looking forward to the videogame revolution. At the same time, im also a bit worried about it...If video games provide a legit earning pathway to the nerds and geeks out there, then real genius level types of people, the next generation einsteins of the world, are going to be funnelled away from research and their talent is going to be wasted in games instead.

DAMN! I was born 20-30 years too early

Ha, i think i'd have had a better chance of making the NFL than being a pro gamer, i've watched some vids of pro players playing, literally insane the **** they do.

[ChokeFasncists]

Naw i feel Lin really thought he could come in here and take Kemba's starting job from him. Sure Kemba got extended and is the "face" of the franchise, but looking at his stats the previous 4 years, i'm sure that conversation with Clifford and Cho involves him getting the "chance" to show what he could do and things will go from there *wink wink*. I mean for Lin to sign for peanuts and be totally "happy" with a low paid bench role when he coulda gone to plenty of other places just screams of that scenario.

As i said many times, Kemba STEPPED up. He's playing at an unprecedented level considering his past. He felt Lin bearing down on him and he went and did what he was supposed to do to protect his spot, play harder and better (didnt have that pressure in the past). Kudos to him and sucks for Lin since its totally affecting his ability to play the role he envisioned himself coming here to do, play 16-18 mins as backup to Kemba when he sits as sole facilitator, and 10-16 mins as backup SG doing what he's always done ala HOU/LAL, play caddie to the "superstar" when they both play together. Outplay Kemba in the time he's in and go from there.

Except Kemba threw a wrench in that plan and now Lin is relegated to the 3rd facilitator now with Batum wanting extensive playmaking duties (which is honestly stupid as Batum's D has dropped off a cliff since he's so focused on O).

And it wasn't just Kemba stepping up, it was him playing well with Batum.

I think I read somewhere Lin said he would be given a chance to compete for the starting spot.

Well, at least:
https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/the-redemption-of-jeremy-lin

Clifford said he absolutely believes Lin will be a starting point guard in the league. "I watch him play and, I mean, it's not like he's not doing anything that he's not going to be able to do consistently," Clifford said. "It's not like you're saying, 'He's made 19 of his last 20 threes,' or something. No. He's a good player."

Clifford noted that Lin's comfort shooting the ball, his improved mobility to the basket with both hands, and his defensive performances are all at the highest level of his career. He's scoring, too; his per-36-minute production is comparable to his Linsanity numbers.

Coach Cliff said on training camp media day:

Team added a lot of guys who are talented. Nic is ready for the next step and will get the ball more and has the talent to be an all-star. Lin will get the opportunity to show people he’s worthy of being a starter. Kemba, Mike, and Cody are ready to make the next step.

[RealHusky]

No Lin no win. It is pretty simple. As long as Kemba is the PG of this team, it is going nowhere. Kemba needs to play SG and let Lin be the full time PG. It won't happen so Charlotte will stay this way for a while. Lin needs to find an opportunity somewhere next season where he has a more defined role. The way Clifford is using Lin and playing yo-yo with his role and minutes is not doing Lin or the team any favors.

I have said many times before the season started. Kemba is a SG in a PG's body. He was like that at UCONN. Lin is a combo guard with much more natural PG instincts. This team would be way better off with Lin as the full time PG vs. Kemba. If beating Cavs aren't enough to convince this coaching staff, nothing will. Tonight Kemba took 18 shots and they lost. It is pretty simple really.

[bws94]

Lin is what Lin is, as I've said many times.

He's not a starter in this league unless he's playing next to a Harden or Kobe in the backcourt... but he is one of the best backup point guards in the league.

Lin needs consistent minutes and a clearly defined role in this offense, Cliffy's head scratching use of Lin is not in the best interests of this team.

I really want him to come back next season, he brings an element to our team we haven't had since Sessions.

Mo Williams was good for us and so was Sessions but Lin can bring the best of both of those players to this team.

Starting vs. non-starting, I mean, the best players aren't always starters. His handles are a bit suspect but he's played better as a starter overall than off the bench and he can guard starter level players pretty well. Either way, some teams he could start for for sure.

I see him as a 6th man, I like him closing and playing at least 28 minutes a game. I like him in OTs. That's more than what most backups do so I'll say he's a 6th man type.

Lin didn't get it going today and it's no big deal. Move on to the next game. Lin has to look at the tape and wonder why he tried to take on Whiteside so much. Otherwise, just rest up and bring your best the next game. Wasn't his night.

Cliff is using Lin's versatility. But I think he should emphasize that Lin gets touches. Lin in the flow of the offense is a good thing. Spacing the floor too much for Batum and Kemba is a waste of his abilities. It also must be taxing on Lin to be guarding so many taller, heavier players.

[bws94]

Expecting lin to play 15 min against the wizards aswell all at shooting guard let lamb handle the pg duties with hawes.

Good. So when it doesn't happen then what? The guy has been playing starter's minutes whether off the bench or not and here are the kneejerk reactions when the bench, which is he is part of, is made to sit because they stunk. That's all that happened and it is for this game. Lin isn't going to be playing just 15 minutes from here on in per game.

[Tracymcgoaty]

Expecting lin to play 15 min against the wizards aswell all at shooting guard let lamb handle the pg duties with hawes.

Good. So when it doesn't happen then what? The guy has been playing starter's minutes whether off the bench or not and here are the kneejerk reactions when the bench, which is he is part of, is made to sit because they stunk. That's all that happened and it is for this game. Lin isn't going to be playing just 15 minutes from here on in per game.

Dude im joking about the 15 min part (i hope) but def not joking about the spencer and lamb part

[bws94]

Expecting lin to play 15 min against the wizards aswell all at shooting guard let lamb handle the pg duties with hawes.

Good. So when it doesn't happen then what? The guy has been playing starter's minutes whether off the bench or not and here are the kneejerk reactions when the bench, which is he is part of, is made to sit because they stunk. That's all that happened and it is for this game. Lin isn't going to be playing just 15 minutes from here on in per game.

Dude im joking about the 15 min part (i hope) but def not joking about the spencer and lamb part

Lamb sometimes bring the ball up. I have no idea why Spencer tries but he shouldn't.

BF1 with PJ is a joke. Lin and MKG should play together. They both like to push the pace and do it well. A play in Wednesday game, when Lin drove and faked a shot and got it MKG for a dunk on a fast break indicates the possibilities. As does Lin's pass to Cody with MKG as a decoy. Get those guys playing together.

[Tracymcgoaty]

Good. So when it doesn't happen then what? The guy has been playing starter's minutes whether off the bench or not and here are the kneejerk reactions when the bench, which is he is part of, is made to sit because they stunk. That's all that happened and it is for this game. Lin isn't going to be playing just 15 minutes from here on in per game.

Dude im joking about the 15 min part (i hope) but def not joking about the spencer and lamb part

Lamb sometimes bring the ball up. I have no idea why Spencer tries but he shouldn't.

BF1 with PJ is a joke. Lin and MKG should play together. They both like to push the pace and do it well. A play in Wednesday game, when Lin drove and faked a shot and got it MKG for a dunk on a fast break indicates the possibilities. As does Lin's pass to Cody with MKG as a decoy. Get those guys playing together.

Lin is marginalized playing on the second unit. Lamb wants his and thats understandable but its how you get it that matters. Put lin on the first unit as a PG and who would have thought wow drastic change. Doesnt Lin average like 7 points more as a starter? he averages 12 now so why limit him? Kemba is kemba and i dont think he will change his game. I love his handles its a joy to watch but thats it for me.

[bws94]

Dude im joking about the 15 min part (i hope) but def not joking about the spencer and lamb part

Lamb sometimes bring the ball up. I have no idea why Spencer tries but he shouldn't.

BF1 with PJ is a joke. Lin and MKG should play together. They both like to push the pace and do it well. A play in Wednesday game, when Lin drove and faked a shot and got it MKG for a dunk on a fast break indicates the possibilities. As does Lin's pass to Cody with MKG as a decoy. Get those guys playing together.

Lin is marginalized playing on the second unit. Lamb wants his and thats understandable but its how you get it that matters. Put lin on the first unit as a PG and who would have thought wow drastic change. Doesnt Lin average like 7 points more as a starter? he averages 12 now so why limit him? Kemba is kemba and i dont think he will change his game. I love his handles its a joy to watch but thats it for me.

Lin signed up to be a versatile combo guard and mostly he's used as an off-ball facilitator when either Kemba or Roberts is on with him. When Batum is on with him he's the main ball handler for the most part and they both facilitate and they both may bring the ball up the court. When he starts, he steps up. He's done that for a long time and that's a great asset for any team to have.

Kemba is the starting PG for the Hornets. He has had wonderful games of high stats as such and contributed to a lot of wins playing his brand of PG which is a lot of scoring. Lin has had one very nice game as starting PG, but only one. So I don't think you can go by the one time Lin started as PG to crown him the starting PG.

[Tracymcgoaty]

Lamb sometimes bring the ball up. I have no idea why Spencer tries but he shouldn't.

BF1 with PJ is a joke. Lin and MKG should play together. They both like to push the pace and do it well. A play in Wednesday game, when Lin drove and faked a shot and got it MKG for a dunk on a fast break indicates the possibilities. As does Lin's pass to Cody with MKG as a decoy. Get those guys playing together.

Lin is marginalized playing on the second unit. Lamb wants his and thats understandable but its how you get it that matters. Put lin on the first unit as a PG and who would have thought wow drastic change. Doesnt Lin average like 7 points more as a starter? he averages 12 now so why limit him? Kemba is kemba and i dont think he will change his game. I love his handles its a joy to watch but thats it for me.

Lin signed up to be a versatile combo guard and mostly he's used as an off-ball facilitator when either Kemba or Roberts is on with him. When Batum is on with him he's the main ball handler for the most part and they both facilitate and they both may bring the ball up the court. When he starts, he steps up. He's done that for a long time and that's a great asset for any team to have.

Kemba is the starting PG for the Hornets. He has had wonderful games of high stats as such and contributed to a lot of wins playing his brand of PG which is a lot of scoring. Lin has had one very nice game as starting PG, but only one. So I don't think you can go by the one time Lin started as PG to crown him the starting PG.

You're right i cant go by that one time if i only saw him play PG for the first time but i havent. he gets his teammates going thats what matters in basketball. Kemba is a poor mans iverson if even that. Kembas way of playing PG is not winning basketball and it never will be. At least when iverson took 76ers to the finals they built the team for him. This team is not built for kemba he is a part of it. But the way he goes ISO most of the team instead of being a facilitator is hurting the team. Yeah Lin signed up for whatever they needed him to be thinking he was going to get playing time. And he has gotten that, but dont kid yourself calling Walker a PG he is A SG who was unfortunate enough to have a PG body. The guy is a Score first PG.

[Braggins]

I have a feeling that after all our injured players get their legs back under them that Cliff will shorten the rotation and Lin will get more minutes. Once everyone is healthy PJ doesn't need to be seeing the court often at all, which will open up some more minutes on the wing for Lin. I was disappointed that Lin only got 16 minutes last night. Hopefully we can cut Kembas minutes down to 32-33 which should keep Lin in the 24-28 range most nights.

[Guitardude]

Lin signed up to be a versatile combo guard and mostly he's used as an off-ball facilitator when either Kemba or Roberts is on with him. When Batum is on with him he's the main ball handler for the most part and they both facilitate and they both may bring the ball up the court. When he starts, he steps up. He's done that for a long time and that's a great asset for any team to have.

Kemba is the starting PG for the Hornets. He has had wonderful games of high stats as such and contributed to a lot of wins playing his brand of PG which is a lot of scoring. Lin has had one very nice game as starting PG, but only one. So I don't think you can go by the one time Lin started as PG to crown him the starting PG.

Are you literally ignoring all the stats people post here of Lin? Go look at Lin's game log and get back to me regarding "only one" game in which he started and did well.