Super Lintendo: The Jeremy Lin Thread

[fatlever]

The Lady Vikings high school basketball team from Houston posing with Jeremy Lin in San Antonio. They caught him having breakfast on the riverbanks from their boat tour.

Are the Hornets no longer doing the teammates sharing meals thing to promote team chemistry and bonding, like they did during preseason/training camp? Or did the girls just want to take pics with only Jeremy Lin?

Lady Vikings Hoops ‏@VHSLadyVikings

The rest of the Lady Vikings getting the opportunity to meet @JLin7 !!! #LadyVikingsHoops #TheTeam


https://twitter.com/VHSLadyVikings/status/662696042547163137

Lady Vikings Hoops ‏@VHSLadyVikings

Four of the Lady Vikings posing for a picture with @JLin7 ! #LadyVikingsHoops #TheTeam

https://twitter.com/VHSLadyVikings/status/662693378048442368

Does Lin really go eat breakfast in public in his Hornets practice jersey?

[fatlever]

The fact that Clifford is starting Hairston who didnt get his 3rd year option picked up, should put to bed any fears that Clifford is playing anyone minutes as a result of their contract. He doesn't give a crap about that part of he equation. He's talked about it openly here in Charlotte on the radio and others around the organization have also said the same. The fact that Lin is making only 2mil this season will have very little bearing on his playing time.

[Roy Tarpley]

I'm not sure what other options Lin had, but it's hard for me to believe that 20min/game is what Lin had in mind.

How can you post those quotes, none of which mention playing time, then say this? Is it so hard to fathom that he's not concerned his PT, he's concerned about his quality of play and the scheme he gets used in?

I don't understand your point, did you actually read Lin's quote? Lin literally said, "My number 1 priority was finding the best opportunity TO GET THE MOST MINUTES playing my style of play." I don't know how much more specific Lin could be, except if he said, "I demand 30 minutes of playing time!"!

Again, it's hard for me to believe that "TO GET THE MOST MINUTES playing my style of play" meant playing 20min/game, and giving up minutes to PJ Hairston.

[Snidely FC]

Lin sure seems happy to me. The guy is like the Pied Piper, he is so good off the court, with people. I would gladly turn a team over to him just on personality and relationship to the public alone. I'm curious, for those of you who follow him closely, did he seem happy the last few years in HOU and LAL, off the court? I mean, could you tell he wasn't happy in his basketball situation by a drop off in his off court persona?

[fatlever]

OK, I'm checking out of this argument about Lin's minutes, for now. Wake me up if he actually complains about his minutes. Then we might have something to discuss. I am thrilled to death with his play and I don't have any real issues with the minutes and role he has been given so far. My only tweaks would be a few more minutes for Lin/Lamb at the expense of Hairston (but keep Hairston starting for now) and a few more minutes for Cody/Frank (at center) at the expense of Hawes.

[Roy Tarpley]

Lin sure seems happy to me. The guy is like the Pied Piper, he is so good off the court, with people. I would gladly turn a team over to him just on personality and relationship to the public alone. I'm curious, for those of you who follow him closely, did he seem happy the last few years in HOU and LAL, off the court? I mean, could you tell he wasn't happy in his basketball situation by a drop off in his off court persona?

I think during his last few months on the Rockets, when they were actively shopping him to make space for Bosh and putting up posters of Carmelo in his number jersey, Lin expressed his displeasure by tweeting Bible passages about turning the other cheek. And during his rough tenure on the Lakers, I don't remember him saying or doing anything, other than perhaps some Bible tweets, to suggest that he was unhappy. So my assessment is that Lin is very good about not letting his disappointments on the court carry over to his personal life, at least the public perception. In this way, he is very much Asian in culture -- he probably subscribes to "The nail that sticks out gets hammered back in" rather than "The squeaky wheel gets the oil".

[steady]

The Hornets are winning, which is fantastic and the most important thing, but if they really want to Lin to pick up his player's option in year 2 (or not, but re-sign), I don't think his current minutes are going to cut it.

I could be wrong and you guys can let me know if you disagree, but from everything I've learned about Lin this summer, he does not seem like the type of person who will decide his future team based on minutes having to be at a certain number or greater to want to sign there. He seems like he is much more interested in finding a home, a team that wants him, a clearly defined role, where he is valued, where he feels part of a team, a city that makes him comfortable.

Don't you think it is possible that Lin could be happier in a situation where he played 20-25 minutes a night as opposed to a situation where he played 25-30 minutes per night, as long as the first option was a better overall situation, both from a team standpoint, chemistry and culture of the city?

For example, lets say next year, the Warriors offered Lin a chance to back up Curry and return to the Bay area. Although that would mean Lin only getting 15-20 minutes a game and less money. I bet he would gladly choose that situation over signing with a team like the Nets, where he can start on a terrible team, for more money. Again I am using two extreme examples to make my point.

I think the most likely alternative to Lin staying in Charlotte --- which I think we all agree would be the best possible outcome given how things have started off in terms of team chemistry with Lin, is Lin going to a team like Bulls or Grizz who are badly in need of more offense, in a sixth (or maybe 7th) man role --playing around 25 mpg.

Grizz went after Lin this past summer and offered him more money than Hornets but it was for a longer term (Lin's father said they wanted to lock him up) so Lin declined. Bulls also wanted Lin but didn't have cap space. Mavs tried to negotiate a sign and trade with Lakers so they could pay him more (because Lakers had his bird rights) but Lakers refused

Lin wanted a one year contract to show what he could do. He still wants to start somewhere. Or at least be in a sixth man type of role. There are a lot of players who might be happy in a true backup PG role. Lin is not one of those players. Sometimes as his supporter I just wish he would be - But he's never said anything to indicate he'd be happy in a 18 mpg role.

I would sincerely be very happy for Lin if he stayed in Charlotte because he does seem relaxed and happy.- more so than any other place. But I think it would be a mistake for the team to assume he would easily accept a smaller role.

[steady]

[duplicate

[steady]

Lin sure seems happy to me. The guy is like the Pied Piper, he is so good off the court, with people. I would gladly turn a team over to him just on personality and relationship to the public alone. I'm curious, for those of you who follow him closely, did he seem happy the last few years in HOU and LAL, off the court? I mean, could you tell he wasn't happy in his basketball situation by a drop off in his off court persona?

Others might know better - but I don't think so. He's akways been good to fans, reporters etc. as far as I Know

Lin's someone who perhaps in a different or future life might have been in ministry and that kind of outlook seems to be.a part of how he interacts with people. That's just my conjecture but I think it's true

Here's a profile of him written at start of his second year at Houston by Hiuston Rockets" beloved beat reporter, which you might enjoy reading - it's about Lin's character.

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/beyond-linsanity

[Braggins]

I can't imagine Lin averaging less than 23mpg honestly. He didn't get minutes down the stretch the last two games because they were blowouts. He should get plenty of opportunities to close games when hes playing well.

[spaceballer]

The Lady Vikings high school basketball team from Houston posing with Jeremy Lin in San Antonio. They caught him having breakfast on the riverbanks from their boat tour.

Are the Hornets no longer doing the teammates sharing meals thing to promote team chemistry and bonding, like they did during preseason/training camp? Or did the girls just want to take pics with only Jeremy Lin?

Lady Vikings Hoops ‏@VHSLadyVikings

The rest of the Lady Vikings getting the opportunity to meet @JLin7 !!! #LadyVikingsHoops #TheTeam


https://twitter.com/VHSLadyVikings/status/662696042547163137

Lady Vikings Hoops ‏@VHSLadyVikings

Four of the Lady Vikings posing for a picture with @JLin7 ! #LadyVikingsHoops #TheTeam

https://twitter.com/VHSLadyVikings/status/662693378048442368

Does Lin really go eat breakfast in public in his Hornets practice jersey?

Apparently. He may have to work on his fashion sense.

Lady Vikings Hoops ‏@VHSLadyVikings

#LadyVikingsHoops start the morning with a Riverwalk Boat Tour! Thank you @RioSanAntonio for the great experience!
https://twitter.com/VHSLadyVikings/status/662676434360516608

Lady Vikings Hoops ‏@VHSLadyVikings

Lady Vikings were on the boat tour & just waved hello to @JLin7 . He was eating breakfast along the Riverwalk! #LadyVikingsHoops
https://twitter.com/VHSLadyVikings/status/662685139781095424

Librafree
‏@Librafree

@JLin7 at Zocca Cuisine d'Italia, San Antonio Riverwalk.
RioFit' owner: Get sports massage here after tomorrow

https://twitter.com/Librafree/status/662774270154510337

[Liver_Pooty]

I can't imagine Lin averaging less than 23mpg honestly. He didn't get minutes down the stretch the last two games because they were blowouts. He should get plenty of opportunities to close games when hes playing well.

Depends on how Lamb is doing. Could easily see Lamb closing games over Lin, and vice versa depending on who has the hot hand that night.

[ChokeFasncists]

The Hornets are winning, which is fantastic and the most important thing, but if they really want to Lin to pick up his player's option in year 2 (or not, but re-sign), I don't think his current minutes are going to cut it.

I could be wrong and you guys can let me know if you disagree, but from everything I've learned about Lin this summer, he does not seem like the type of person who will decide his future team based on minutes having to be at a certain number or greater to want to sign there. He seems like he is much more interested in finding a home, a team that wants him, a clearly defined role, where he is valued, where he feels part of a team, a city that makes him comfortable.

Don't you think it is possible that Lin could be happier in a situation where he played 20-25 minutes a night as opposed to a situation where he played 25-30 minutes per night, as long as the first option was a better overall situation, both from a team standpoint, chemistry and culture of the city?

For example, lets say next year, the Warriors offered Lin a chance to back up Curry and return to the Bay area. Although that would mean Lin only getting 15-20 minutes a game and less money. I bet he would gladly choose that situation over signing with a team like the Nets, where he can start on a terrible team, for more money. Again I am using two extreme examples to make my point.

I think the most likely alternative to Lin staying in Charlotte --- which I think we all agree would be the best possible outcome given how things have started off in terms of team chemistry with Lin, is Lin going to a team like Bulls or Grizz who are badly in need of more offense, in a sixth (or maybe 7th) man role --playing around 25 mpg.

Grizz went after Lin this past summer and offered him more money than Hornets but it was for a longer term (Lin's father said they wanted to lock him up) so Lin declined. Bulls also wanted Lin but didn't have cap space. Mavs tried to negotiate a sign and trade with Lakers so they could pay him more (because Lakers had his bird rights) but Lakers refused

Lin wanted a one year contract to show what he could do. He still wants to start somewhere. Or at least be in a sixth man type of role. There are a lot of players who might be happy in a true backup PG role. Lin is not one of those players. Sometimes as his supporter I just wish he would be - But he's never said anything to indicate he'd be happy in a 18 mpg role.

I would sincerely be very happy for Lin if he stayed in Charlotte because he does seem relaxed and happy.- more so than any other place. But I think it would be a mistake for the team to assume he would easily accept a smaller role.

[yosemiteben]

I'm not sure what other options Lin had, but it's hard for me to believe that 20min/game is what Lin had in mind.

How can you post those quotes, none of which mention playing time, then say this? Is it so hard to fathom that he's not concerned his PT, he's concerned about his quality of play and the scheme he gets used in?

I don't understand your point, did you actually read Lin's quote? Lin literally said, "My number 1 priority was finding the best opportunity TO GET THE MOST MINUTES playing my style of play." I don't know how much more specific Lin could be, except if he said, "I demand 30 minutes of playing time!"!

Again, it's hard for me to believe that "TO GET THE MOST MINUTES playing my style of play" meant playing 20min/game, and giving up minutes to PJ Hairston.

Actually no I didn't go look up the quote, and after re-reading your post I now see that I misread, I thought you provided the quote and I didn't see you mention PT. My mistake.

[BlackOutBuzz]

I'm curious as to what fans believe would be an acceptable number of minutes for Lin. I'll agree that he should get a bit more than the 22.4 he's averaging thus far, but there's only so many minutes to allocate to the backup PG.

I saw someone mention 32 minutes, that'd put him in a tie - with STEPHEN CURRY - for 11th most minutes of all PGs in the league. So basically more minutes than 2/3 of starting PGs; including Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague, and Kemba. Hell, Tony Parker and Rondo are around 27 MPG.

Once you get into backups, Isaiah Thomas is kind of the outlier at 30 MPG. Then you've got the Philly timeshare thing with McConnell and Canaan both getting 28-29 minutes. But other than that?

FELTON: 26
Nelson: 24.4
Vasquez: 24
Schroder: 23.7
Ish Smith: 23.5
Grant: 22.8
Lin: 22.4
Burke: 22.2
Joseph: 22
Mills: 21.6
Beverley: 19
Chalmers: 19
LaVine: 18.5
Livingston: 18.2
Etc.

Now, Lin is arguably the best player on this list, so it's hard to argue that he shouldn't be at the top. Perhaps a 4-5 minute bump is in order (and probable, he's only 5 games into a new season with a new team and has been sitting in garbage time), but I don't see him averaging more than 27 or so, which would be plenty fair for a backup.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[RealHusky]

First, I doubt Lin came to a team like Charlotte, took way less money than he is worth, just to play 20 mins a game. Frankly, that's insulting to a player with his skill set. While he is only making $2m year, a player he just schooled recently like Reggie Jackson just inked a deal for $16m per year. On the Hornets, Lin is easily one of the top 5 players which means he should be getting close to 30 mins per game regardless of his roles.

On a different note, Big Al only played 21 mins recently and voiced displeasure over it. I know this affects a player's confidence so they all see it.

It is concerning that Kemba got 30 mins in a blowout while Lin got 17. I love Kemba, but I don't see Kemba as a better PG than Lin other than they bring somewhat different skill set to the table. Batum in one of the earlier games had 7 turnovers but was allowed to play huge minutes despite of it. Most Lin fans know Lin can start games slow sometimes but he always finish strong in the 4th quarter. I hope Clifford knows this and will allow him to play through some of his slow starts. Realistically, he should be getting close to 30 mins a game just based on his skill set and the Hornets roster. It is not like he is playing behind Stephen Curry right now.

Hornets are playing the Spurs tonight. Lin dropped like 38 points and 28 points on Spurs I believe not too long ago. I am sure everyone will be watching to see if he get his minutes tonight.

[Roy Tarpley]

I'm curious as to what fans believe would be an acceptable number of minutes for Lin. I'll agree that he should get a bit more than the 22.4 he's averaging thus far, but there's only so many minutes to allocate to the backup PG.

I saw someone mention 32 minutes, that'd put him in a tie - with STEPHEN CURRY - for 11th most minutes of all PGs in the league. So basically more minutes than 2/3 of starting PGs; including Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague, and Kemba. Hell, Tony Parker and Rondo are around 27 MPG.

Once you get into backups, Isaiah Thomas is kind of the outlier at 30 MPG. Then you've got the Philly timeshare thing with McConnell and Canaan both getting 28-29 minutes. But other than that?

FELTON: 26
Nelson: 24.4
Vasquez: 24
Schroder: 23.7
Ish Smith: 23.5
Grant: 22.8
Lin: 22.4
Burke: 22.2
Joseph: 22
Mills: 21.6
Beverley: 19
Chalmers: 19
LaVine: 18.5
Livingston: 18.2
Etc.

Now, Lin is arguably the best player on this list, so it's hard to argue that he shouldn't be at the top. Perhaps a 4-5 minute bump is in order (and probable, he's only 5 games into a new season with a new team and has been sitting in garbage time), but I don't see him averaging more than 27 or so, which would be plenty fair for a backup.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Excellent argument, and thank you for doing the research -- the best counterpoint I've heard so far. Lin is a backup/6th man so he shouldn't be getting the minutes that Curry or Teague are getting. However, I would argue that Curry's minutes have been suppressed because the Warriors have been blowing teams out. In general, teams like the Warriors, Spurs (less so Hawks) tend to spread out the minutes given the tremendous depth.

I think around 28 minutes would make sense for a player in his prime like Lin. Players like Mo Williams, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, who are playing for a championship toward the tail end of their careers can, get 18-20 mins.

And Lin did get 27 min in each of his first two games, which I had no issues with. So again, I think this will all even out in the end. I was just following up on someone who noticed that Lin's minutes were getting low in the last 3 games, which I agreed with. I also thought this issue was interesting in the context of the minutes arguments for Kaminsky and Lamb.

[cw3k]

IT'S NOT ABOUT LIN.

His minutes is fine. The last 2 games were a blow out, there is no point to put any of your main rotation guy in it for garbage time. He has the ball. There are role guys for him although they suck, but they are there. He is a lot less afraid of shooting and with a coach who encouraging him to shoot more. He look a lot more confident and more comfortable here.

More minutes also mean absolute nothing. The last 2.5 years with Rockets and Lakers, Lin was camping in the corner pretty much the whole time. Harden had the ball only like 90% of the time. When Harden sit, Beverley is the PG because he is too short. Lin again, camping. It is even worst with the Lakers. Kobe was chasing the scoring list ranking. The play was cleared, get the rock pass half court, handed it over to Kobe to launch it. When Kobe injured himself again, the Lakers was clearly out of the playoff picture (not like they have any chance to begin with) and clearly go tank mode. BS has no clue what his doing. I don't think any player respect him. I am not even sure why he still has a job.

Wait for another 10 or 15 minutes and do the minutes comparison when games are closed.

I don't think Lamb will be closing the game because IMHO, he doesn't move the ball. He probably see himself a Melo in making.

[lin is ok]

I can't imagine Lin averaging less than 23mpg honestly. He didn't get minutes down the stretch the last two games because they were blowouts. He should get plenty of opportunities to close games when hes playing well.

Depends on how Lamb is doing. Could easily see Lamb closing games over Lin, and vice versa depending on who has the hot hand that night.

http://www.jlinportal.com/candid-interview-jeremy-lin

QQ Sports: You also mentioned you had a long talk with Clifford. Did he talk with you about whether you will start or come off the bench because Kemba plays at the starting 1, and things like you will be at 1 or 2? Are there definitive answers to those questions already?

Lin: He said if I was asking him now, then I would come off the bench, But he emphasized if I play well and the team needs me to start, then he wouldn’t limit me to a bench player. The coach also said he will let me play with Kemba for a long time and even if I don’t play well in Charlotte, he will give me a lot of room to play with mistakes.

[RealHusky]

I can't imagine Lin averaging less than 23mpg honestly. He didn't get minutes down the stretch the last two games because they were blowouts. He should get plenty of opportunities to close games when hes playing well.

Depends on how Lamb is doing. Could easily see Lamb closing games over Lin, and vice versa depending on who has the hot hand that night.

http://www.jlinportal.com/candid-interview-jeremy-lin

QQ Sports: You also mentioned you had a long talk with Clifford. Did he talk with you about whether you will start or come off the bench because Kemba plays at the starting 1, and things like you will be at 1 or 2? Are there definitive answers to those questions already?

Lin: He said if I was asking him now, then I would come off the bench, But he emphasized if I play well and the team needs me to start, then he wouldn’t limit me to a bench player. The coach also said he will let me play with Kemba for a long time and even if I don’t play well in Charlotte, he will give me a lot of room to play with mistakes.

I think the last part of the statement is most important. If a coach truly believes in Lin and allow him to play through some stretches of mistakes. Players like Harden in Houston can have 10 turnovers and still get his 35 mins per game. Harden is a turnover machine and plays no defense but no one will ever accuse him of either like they are doing to Lin. I do hope he will get his chance here so he reach his potential.