Don't Be Hurtin' Lin - The Jeremy Lin Thread 2

[Liver_Pooty]

Lin is on the perfect team as a role playing backup that will play on average 25 mpg. He won't find a better role right now.

[bws94]

This is the way I see it and I could be wrong since it's a long season. At the end of the season, the Hornets will likely part with Al but try to retain Batum (hopefully not at Max). Then they will also seek for another star FA with Al money. They already have their other cornerstones secured for awhile (Kemba, MKG, Lamb, Kaminsky).

Asssuming that Lin continues to play the way he has thus far (which needs improvement imo), they will pick up his 2nd year option or try to sign him to a new backup role contract 5-7M (if this is the way it works, I'm not sure). This is the way it's looking to me at the moment but of course a lot can change til end of season. I think that Lin is seeking for a bigger role but if he continues down this path there may not be better options out there. Personally, I'd like to see him settle with a team for a bit than be a journeyman player but we will see. Jeremy Lamb was a steal btw at 7M.

His contract is for two years, second year player option which means it is not Hornets who decide whether to take the second year - it is Lin.

The salary he is making is less than Brian Roberts - so there is almost no chance he signs for second year. He is playing well enough even now to net something more

I think it is sad if he does not stay in Charlotte - but Lin has skills, and especially with improved defense, he will be fine. Whether here or someplace else.

The decision to come here was a good one - whether it will work out for long term it is too early to tell. Either way I think Hornets and Lin will have a special year.

I like this coach, team, media, fans and I'm tired of Lin jumping around from team to team. Unless it is the closest thing to a "sure thing" then I don't see the point of not continuing in Charlotte.

Lin just needs to relax and play to his capabilities. His shot will fall. I don't know when, but it will. But I want to see Lin more engaged and use more of his tools. I'm tired of seeing him just charge into big men for no reason when he has such great moves to put up a step-back J. He did it in the OT of the Kings game and he did it in the 2Q at the buzzer in the Wizards game. He doesn't need to try to drive as much as he does, he can do some dribbling but look to pass or put up mid-range jumpers. He can further his chemistry with Frank and get him open 3s. Lamb and get him lobs and open 3s. Zeller in PnR. Even Al in getting him the ball down low to him and give and go's. Marvin too. And he plays well with Batum. He can do what Batum does in terms of assists, he has a strong ability to make guys around him better and make great passes. He just needs to not be so frantic while keeping that bite and aggressiveness about him. It's a tough balance but LIn has done that and it's time now. He's had enough experience.

Lin needs to be steadier with his offensive skills. I think years of Lin looks terrific, Lin looks terrible in Houston, LA and now Charlotte shows Lin needs to even out his game more. Lin is a winner. Charlotte fans on this forum and in the Time Warner Building will see more Lin making big plays on both ends and shots in the 4Q and OT. But will they see more sloppy and out-of-control Lin as well in much of his time on the floor? That's what he needs to work at minimizing.

[bws94]

Lin is on the perfect team as a role playing backup that will play on average 25 mpg. He won't find a better role right now.

I think he's more than a PG backup. Minutes can be 25 or more, whatever is needed. He's not just backing up. He's being used with the starters when the game is on the line now. When MKG comes back, perhaps not. But, right now, he's going to get in there, lead the bench unit, but also when he's not he's also with Batum and Batum/Kemba in the comebacks and finishing units. I think if he excels and stays with the Hornets, even with MKG back he'll be on the court in crunch time.

If Lin plays like he can, he can get plenty of time at crucial times in the game. He's already made huge plays in crunch time for the team in a lot of games. But he has to play better offensively. Defensively, he's more consistent. The offense needs to always flow and work when he doesn't have Kemba or Batum with him. He has to take more command when he's PG with the bench guys.

[ils411]

Lin is on the perfect team as a role playing backup that will play on average 25 mpg. He won't find a better role right now.

I think he's more than a PG backup. Minutes can be 25 or more, whatever is needed. He's not just backing up. He's being used with the starters when the game is on the line now. When MKG comes back, perhaps not. But, right now, he's going to get in there, lead the bench unit, but also when he's not he's also with Batum and Batum/Kemba in the comebacks and finishing units. I think if he excels and stays with the Hornets, even with MKG back he'll be on the court in crunch time.

If Lin plays like he can, he can get plenty of time at crucial times in the game. He's already made huge plays in crunch time for the team in a lot of games. But he has to play better offensively. Defensively, he's more consistent. The offense needs to always flow and work when he doesn't have Kemba or Batum with him. He has to take more command when he's PG with the bench guys.

Those who follow Lin knows that Lin has the "potential" to be more than a back-up in the league. I myself believe that Lin has the "potential" to be a solid starter or even a fringe fringe star.

We've all seen flashes of brilliance from Lin. We've seen it during Linsanity, we've seen it numerous times in Huston, and a handfull of times during his stay in LA and unlike other career benchwarmers, Lin has consistently shown flashes of fringe all star level skills and plays on a very inconsistent basis.

This is what annoys me to no end with Lin. I'm sure I'm not alone in this in saying that Lin can be damn awesome in a burst of some stretches or games then suddenly look like some craptastic bench warmer who shouldn't even be playing in the NBA in some stretches of games too. The sad part is that he brings the craptasticness with him more often than not.

I've also said it before, Lin cannot take command of the bench if he is at PG or even given free reign. If he's with scrubs, he's a scrub too. He play's team ball and when he executes plays, players around him must be aware of how the defense will react, or where there will be an opening and they have to cut there. Unfortunately, with back-ups, that's asking too much which is why they come off the bench.

His type of play only works with other players who know what to do which is why he usually look good with Batum and Kemba or any of his preferred P&R partners in Huston and in LA as these guys know how to read and know where to go and stuff. This is also why we see Lin in no mans land a lot with some spots open with no one there when with the bench on all the teams he has been with and this results in him looking just like crap.

Of course, giving Lin a more set role to build up chemistry with whatever unit he will be in will help lots. As he plays more with the same unit, they will all learn each others tendencies and be able to read each other better..."chemistry" for short.

Not gonna happen anytime soon, but most likely down the stretch after a good portion of the season is over...say...All Star Break lol.

He has a history of always being significantly better after the break. It was true during his two season with Huston, was true during last season with LA. most likely will also be true now as half a season is probably the amount of time Lin needs to build adequate chemistry with others. All speculations on my part though...but who knows...

[bws94]

Yes, Lin has too many craptastic moments. Weird thing is how he can play a mostly craptastic game then make big, clutch plays in the 4th. He really needs to filter out the craptastic stuff. It's somewhat disappointing that he hasn't figured out how to do it yet.

[cw3k]

Er, Lin finished most of the games. Even when he wasn't playing well.

Lin will find his groove. He's already made a bunch of winning plays in games. Even in today's game, that defensive play on Neil was key to starting the comeback.

he finished games because his defense has been impressive, he matched well at certain night, and he does have the ability to score... but we are talking about Lin showing abilities of a starting PG in this league, it is not promising at all

he's started many games at PG (and SG). as I've said it before, give Lin years in one system/team starting at PG and then we'll see if he can or can't be a starting PG. I mean shooting below 40% isn't an issue for a starting PG right?

If shooting before 40% is a PG issue, then Walker would have canned long ago.

The issue I am seeing is Lin seem to camp all the time while not designed as the ball handler. He need to learn to play an off ball role. Since he is not a very fast with catch and shoot, he need to cut more to find opportunity for himself.

[ChokeFasncists]

Lin is on the perfect team as a role playing backup that will play on average 25 mpg. He won't find a better role right now.

I think he's more than a PG backup. Minutes can be 25 or more, whatever is needed. He's not just backing up. He's being used with the starters when the game is on the line now. When MKG comes back, perhaps not. But, right now, he's going to get in there, lead the bench unit, but also when he's not he's also with Batum and Batum/Kemba in the comebacks and finishing units. I think if he excels and stays with the Hornets, even with MKG back he'll be on the court in crunch time.

If Lin plays like he can, he can get plenty of time at crucial times in the game. He's already made huge plays in crunch time for the team in a lot of games. But he has to play better offensively. Defensively, he's more consistent. The offense needs to always flow and work when he doesn't have Kemba or Batum with him. He has to take more command when he's PG with the bench guys.

Those who follow Lin knows that Lin has the "potential" to be more than a back-up in the league. I myself believe that Lin has the "potential" to be a solid starter or even a fringe fringe star.

We've all seen flashes of brilliance from Lin. We've seen it during Linsanity, we've seen it numerous times in Huston, and a handfull of times during his stay in LA and unlike other career benchwarmers, Lin has consistently shown flashes of fringe all star level skills and plays on a very inconsistent basis.

This is what annoys me to no end with Lin. I'm sure I'm not alone in this in saying that Lin can be damn awesome in a burst of some stretches or games then suddenly look like some craptastic bench warmer who shouldn't even be playing in the NBA in some stretches of games too. The sad part is that he brings the craptasticness with him more often than not.

I've also said it before, Lin cannot take command of the bench if he is at PG or even given free reign. If he's with scrubs, he's a scrub too. He play's team ball and when he executes plays, players around him must be aware of how the defense will react, or where there will be an opening and they have to cut there. Unfortunately, with back-ups, that's asking too much which is why they come off the bench.

His type of play only works with other players who know what to do which is why he usually look good with Batum and Kemba or any of his preferred P&R partners in Huston and in LA as these guys know how to read and know where to go and stuff. This is also why we see Lin in no mans land a lot with some spots open with no one there when with the bench on all the teams he has been with and this results in him looking just like crap.

Of course, giving Lin a more set role to build up chemistry with whatever unit he will be in will help lots. As he plays more with the same unit, they will all learn each others tendencies and be able to read each other better..."chemistry" for short.

Not gonna happen anytime soon, but most likely down the stretch after a good portion of the season is over...say...All Star Break lol.

He has a history of always being significantly better after the break. It was true during his two season with Huston, was true during last season with LA. most likely will also be true now as half a season is probably the amount of time Lin needs to build adequate chemistry with others. All speculations on my part though...but who knows...

Nice post. Totally agree that he is best suited as a starter with capable scorers. Well, it's a learning experience now that he gets to most of the times finish 1st and 3rd quarters, build up and mentor a unit with inexperienced but promising players like Frank, Cody and Lamb, it's gonna take time. The 2nd unit consistently out played the bench of other teams. (the Spurs are not normal) But for himself, it's not too complicated. All he has to do is to get his form-changed jumper back, play well consistently and tone down on his TOs. Once he gets that going, he'll be ready to start. His problem of fighting thru screens has visibly improved. He is playing some excellent D on PGs and SGs. Going to the basket isn't a problem.

[kinein]

disgusted. Clifford opts not to put Jeremy Lin Mr. 4th Quarter/Mr. OT. I'd put 100$ down that Lin would have been able to score 2 pts. DAMN what an EMBARRASSING LOSS. RAGE.

[lin is ok]

Not even angry anymore just freaking RESIGNED, his minutes are locked scrub. Complete waste of his talent.

[Walt Cronkite]

This is my favorite thread to read.

[RealHusky]

Horrible misuse of Lin's talent tonight. Lin played really good today and only got 20 mins. Kemba went 6 for 16 and got 35. I think coach gonna stick with guys on long term contract whether team win or lose. Lin seriously need to consider his options soon of he can since his talent is completely wasted on the team in crunch time.

[Braggins]

We'd be undefeated if Clifford would just play Lin 48 minutes every game. Total waste.

[Roy Tarpley]

OK, I wouldn't go so far as to call Lin "Mr. 4th quarter" like he's Reggie Jackson or Derek Jeter.

But I think an aggressive guard that has playoff experience could have provided some value in crunch time.

Lin played 15 minutes in the first half, and then 5 in the second. So clearly, Clifford valued Lin but made a conscious decision to go with Lamb in the second half. I think he chose wrong.

[victorhe]

How did Clifford convince Lin to stay in Charlotte and use him well? Because right now it sure looks like he does not believing in Lin. This will only drive Lin away.

[Braggins]

Lin seriously need to consider his options soon of he can since his talent is completely wasted on the team in crunch time.

I don't think there are many teams knocking down his door to give him a bigger role than what he has here. I'm not saying he isn't capable of being successful in a bigger role and I definitely think we need to give him more minutes, but I have a feeling that you guys are probably more upset about how Lin is being used on this team than he is.

[ohhi]

As a Lin fan and a bucks fan (and also a newfound hornets fan) i'd love to see the bucks trade a 2nd for Lin, he would be extremely useful for us as he is much much better than MCW and the hornets seem to just see Lin as another warm body so a 2nd might be plenty to get it done. Coach Kidd would probably be able to use Lin extremely effectively.

[Roy Tarpley]

Lin seriously need to consider his options soon of he can since his talent is completely wasted on the team in crunch time.

I don't think there are many teams knocking down his to give him a bigger role than what he has here. I'm not saying he isn't capable of being successful in a bigger role and I definitely think we need to give him more minutes, but I have a feeling that you guys are probably more upset about how Lin is being used on this team than he is.

Who knows what Lin is thinking but I guarantee you, he's not sitting on the bench in the 4th quarter thinking, "I'm glad I'm not out there."

Of all the players on the Hornets, I feel like Lin and Hansbrough are the least well utilized. Lin was a starter on two playoff teams and he's below 24 minutes/game on the Hornets. There's a lot of talent on this team, does Kemba still need to play 34 minutes/game? Or Batum 35?

[13th Man]

I've been saying this for the longest time and it's not just me. The minutes distribution is off-kiltered. Whatever the situation may be, the end result is that Lin is having career lows wrt to playing time.

[qiantom]

The writing is on the wall, guys. The emergence of Lamb and the extension probably mean no Lin in Charlotte next season especially if they can resign Batum. With Batum, MKG, Kemba and Lamb, you have four perimeter guys needing 120 mins at least. Keeping Lin won't make sense for either side.

This season could still be a success for both sides though. It is going to be a success for the team anyway because of the bargain they got.

[lin is ok]

Another wasted year for lin