Friday, February 11, 2011

Quick Review, Next Game vs OKC 5pm Sunday

I'm very happy with the way Jeremy has played in the two games since being called back up from Reno. He looks so much better just bringing up the ball and getting the team into its offensive sets against the Suns. He is taking good care of the ball as well with just 1 turnover in 22 minutes since coming back up. He is distributing the ball nicely . I really liked his crossover, drive across the lane, then kick out to Reggie who got fouled shooting the three. His D was solid against Steve Nash and Zabian Dowdell. Also, as Coach Mussellman stated in his interview with Damon Bruce on 2/10, Jeremy gets you extra possessions. Against the Nuggets, Jeremy hustled back and defended a much bigger man, Al Harrington going to the hoop. The result was an offensive foul on Al pushing off as Jeremy contested at the rim. Against the Suns, Jeremy pressured Zabian Dowdell, taking away the inbounds to the point thus causing a 5 second violation. These are the little things that don't show up in the box score and may go unnoticed by many. By the way, check out this great Sports Illustrated article on Zabian Dowdell, another D League call up.


I'm sure we'll keep hearing the whining about his shot. Just like we heard the whining about crowds cheering, his free throws, and everything else. I'm not too worried about that right now. We'll see what his percentages are once he gets more playing time.


JLin could be getting minutes again vs OKC, especially if the game gets out of hand early, which is very likely.

39 comments:

  1. nice! you've pretty much touched on everything. i was thinking the same thing about his shooting percentage too. we know he can score. it's just a matter of time. i also defended against the crowd cheering and the free throws. these are minor things that goes away yet some people are so hung up on them. right now i'm just waiting for him to break out of his shooting slump then he will be a true all around player. so far, i think smart has been the worst possible coach for lin but it seems he is overcoming it just as he has overcome everything else. it will be real interesting and fun to watch him play once he really gets comfortable out there

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  2. Agree that @JLinfan#1 pretty much covered it all for those who tend to study box scores but don't get a chance to watch Lin play. The scoring will come with time, his history shows he is a "stat" sheet filler. It's a matter of time.

    Fortunately, or unfortunately,injuries and the schedule are such that he will get more opportunities for minutes.

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  3. Just watched the Suns game on DVR. Lin is the best on ball defensive guard on the Warriors as evidenced by his steal from Nash while he is trying to drive to the basket. Nash gives it his best moves, has a pick set and still can't get by. Props too to Udoh for defensive help. Too bad the coach or the broadcasters can't or don't wish to see this.

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  4. His shots will fall when he gets consistent minutes and role in Smart's system. He's proven he can make shots in the D-league where he played with confidence and didn't have to worry about making the slightest mistake. He has the toughness to D up on Westbrook, who I think will run right thru Ellis and Curry.

    BTW, I think not being able to post as Anonymous is stupid. What does it prove if one has to have a random google account to post? The internet is an open forum.

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  5. I think removing the Anon profile option was just meant to be a speedbump to prevent knuckleheads from spamming and just coming on to hell, "he sux!"
    It is a little inconvenient, sure, but I think it is a good thing.

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  6. The game is not @ OKC, it is a home game vs. OKC.

    Does anyone have a link to video highlights for the Suns game.

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  7. Sorry, the game is at home and the Thunder are playing the Warriors on the 2nd game of a back to back. I have to take back my last comment about getting minutes. I will be ecstatic if JLin even gets in.

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  8. I would rather he not come into the game with only two minutes left. People have been referring to Jeremy as the "white flag" and it really irks me that people think of him in that way. I can't wait until the day comes when Jeremy shuts them up with his game.

    I doubt he'll get meaningful minutes but maybe smart will remember that Jeremy is one of the better defenders on his roster and put him in just like in the Nuggets game where he got PT in the 2nd quarter.

    I actually like the fact that the anonymous option is gone but I think we'll see a decrease in comments.

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  9. Anyone know how to get around the randomly generated gibberish screen name from AIM/OpenID logins?

    Thanks.

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. I'm glad we have registration now, I suggested that months ago. It's not so much for cutting down spam, but it helps a lot with the flow of the discussion to refer to people's names/handles rather than "Anonymous at February 12, 2011 12:57 AM". Also, it helps build community and reputation to know who's commenting (an established, knowledgeable commenter vs a one-time newbie).

    I don't know why AIM OpenID generates those long random IDs. That's AOL for you, I guess. Use myopenid.com instead. You only need to log in once and for all.

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  12. I posted a transcript of Eric Musselman's interview. (I didn't post it in the comments since it's really long and would take up many pages here).

    https://sites.google.com/site/nbajeremylin/2011-02-10-interview-with-eric-musselman

    Here's some highlights of Musselman's quotes:

    "Unequivocally, Jeremy Lin is an NBA basketball player."

    "His development was off the charts. It was above and beyond what we expected."

    "He gets to the basket at will, dribble drive with the right hand. He needs to continue to work on his left hand penetration. He really, really worked on drive and kicks to guys. And they wanted him to try to improve his 3 point shooting, and he definitely did that, shot a high percentage from 3."

    "It is going to take time, but in 2 to 3 years, he’s going to be, in my mind, at worst, a backup who can really contribute. That’s the worst case scenario."

    Many of Musselman's comments resonated with what has been commented on this forum. He also stated that is is much more effective for a developmental player such as Lin to get time in DL, especially late game situations, rather than marginal PT in NBA.

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  13. I posted a transcript of Eric Musselman's interview. (I didn't post it in the comments since it's really long and would take up many pages here).

    link to interview

    Here's some highlights of Musselman's quotes:

    "Unequivocally, Jeremy Lin is an NBA basketball player."

    "His development was off the charts. It was above and beyond what we expected."

    "He gets to the basket at will, dribble drive with the right hand. He needs to continue to work on his left hand penetration. He really, really worked on drive and kicks to guys. And they wanted him to try to improve his 3 point shooting, and he definitely did that, shot a high percentage from 3."

    "It is going to take time, but in 2 to 3 years, he’s going to be, in my mind, at worst, a backup who can really contribute. That’s the worst case scenario."

    Many of Musselman's comments resonated with what has been commented on this forum. He also stated that is is much more effective for a developmental player such as Lin to get time in DL, especially late game situations, rather than marginal PT in NBA.

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  14. Yeah, I listened to the interview on knbr's website and it was really nice to hear someone who happens to know something about basketball also say some really good things (and honest, he didn't sugarcoat the driving with his left thing) about Lin's game.

    He hurt his credibility a bit though when he tried to praise Patrick O'Bryant's abilities. Ha Ha.

    Well I sure hope he is right.

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  15. I don't think Lin will get in. It would be a miracle if he does. The warriors played OKC well last time and feel it won't be that bad of a blow out. And because of that I feel Lin won't get in :(. Sad to say I'm hoping for a blowout one way or another so Lin can get some playing time in the bigs.

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  16. I want to be optimistic about this game, at least in terms of Lin's playing time. He got 9 minutes last time (Charlie Bell was in for 7) There are some matchups for him, Eric Maynor for one. Smart should realize by now he needs to rest Ellis and Curry at some point. Of course, that's not guaranteed. IMO Lin has been adequate when he's been in, not spectacular, not bad. I would hope Smart puts him in with the intention of yanking him at the first sign of trouble, but Lin surprises him.

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  17. Sounds like Lin should at least be suited up for games through all star break: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/02/12/SPHN1HMC23.DTL

    Whether he plays, or whether he gets any meaningful minutes, who knows?

    This is Coach "Smart" we're talking about, after all (rolls eyes)

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  18. Lin may only be a good on ball defender at NBA level, but sounds like he would match up well against Eric Maynor:

    http://www.nbadraft.net/players/eric-maynor

    Would be interesting to see what Lin can do, especially if he has Udoh guarding the rim behind him.

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  19. Logic would seem to dictate that when Maynor is in, someone like Lin should be in too. That would give Curry some rest against the really tough assignment of Westbrook. Smart tends to leave his starters in hoping to catch up or get ahead when the other team's subs are in. How's that working out Keith?

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  20. hey guys I found a link for today's game ->

    http://sportiechannel.blogspot.com/2011/02/oklahoma-city-thunder-vs-golden-state.html

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  21. Thanks Cantaimer for the link. Currently watching the game right now through that link... Is it me or is there no sound?

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  22. http://espn.go.com/espn3/index#

    the warriors are leading by 3. looks like smart is going to stick with the starters and try to extend the lead

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  23. guess i was wrong. smart put williams and rad in to provide firepower and give curry a little rest. should have gone defensive instead with lin and udoh.

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  24. Jeremy Lin no playing time yet...

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  25. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/02/12/SPHN1HMC23.DTL

    ok the sfgate article pisses me the hell off.
    acie law as the ultimate calming factor? he plays solid D on the elite point guards? what are you talking about sfgate

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  26. since Lin didn't play tonight, here's a flashback to his D-League debut, where he scored 10 pts in only 17 minutes.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z3uOZooqzQ

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  27. Disappointing of course that Lin didn't get P/T but the game was encouraging for his career prospects from watching Eric Maynor of OKC. Right now, the two players are very comparable and in fact I give Lin an edge for defensive reasons. Maybe not the Warriors, but there is definitely a place for Jeremy in the NBA. Perhaps the most important person right now is his agent. Smart is obviously hoping to hang on until Acie Law gets back. Fitz says there's no option at backup p/g right now. I hope they're both wrong.

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  28. "Disappointing of course that Lin didn't get P/T but the game was encouraging for his career prospects from watching Eric Maynor of OKC. Right now, the two players are very comparable and in fact I give Lin an edge for defensive reasons."

    The difference is, Eric Maynor already has one full year of NBA experience. He was a 1st round 20th pick for the Utah Jazz, with a guaranteed rookie contract under Coach Jerry Sloan.
    The Jazz traded him to an OKC team that desperately needed a backup point guard. He was never sent down to the D-League and never treated like useless dead weight.

    Jeremy Lin was not drafted. He does not get any meaningful playing time under coach Smart. He does not get to be a part of the system. He is treated like dead weight or a team mascot.

    It all depends on where a player lands. And Eric Maynor landed in the right place at the right time, but Jeremy Lin landed in a place he is not welcome.

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  29. @Whitman

    Just checking to see how well you read. Who is presently the most important person for Lin's career? Hope you feel better.

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  30. Lin's agent didn't do him much good. He just sold him to the highest bidder with his marketing potential in mind. A good agent will see the long term potential and match the player to a team where he can fit into a system.

    That being said, the most important person in Lin's career development is HIMSELF. Only he can improve on his weak points and mold his body into NBA shape. He already has the quickness. To get to the next level, he needs to create his own shots and have enough muscle to finish at the rim.

    If things don't work out with the Warriors, which I doubt they will, other teams will invite him to workouts and training camps. He needs to impress them.

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  31. When does an Agent not sell there client to the highest bidder? That never happens in sports other than maybe Lee's situation, every athletic player has taken the most money offered in almost every situation.

    But you are right about Lin being the most important person. Though I also feel a good coach will farther his development because he has a good work ethic, the coach can point out things he needs to work on and how to improve on them. Or maybe find a good mentor that can teach him how to become a better PG.

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  32. What's up with the Warriors? In the last 8 games, they have beat all the playoffs teams they've faced: Utah, Chicago, Denver, OKC. But they also lost to Charlotte, Phoenix twice, and barely beat Milwaukee.

    Following the recent trend, the Warriors have a shot at beating New Orleans. But of course, that would come at the cost of 40+ mins for 3 or 4 starters, so the back-to-back game (plus traveling) against Utah will be a blowout loss.

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  33. If you check the March schedule, it is filled with back to back games:

    http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/gsw/schedule?view=calendar&season=2011&m=03

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  34. Irony behind some of these comments about Jeremy signing with the highest bidder, Jeremy said that the other offers were higher but he wanted to play for the Warriors.

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  36. I'm glad to see Jeremy back up with the Warriors but upset that he's not getting playing time. Hope he doesn't become another benchwarmer. He's too good for that! In the meantime, if you guys are interested Jeremy is featured in this publication:

    http://sanfrancisco.privy.net/go/eat/Jeremy-Lin

    Has his list of top 5 restaurants in the Bay Area. Interesting picks. Guess he's a hometown kid at heart.

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  37. IIRC, Lin said he got higher offers from other teams, but after consulting with his family, they all thought Warriors was best choice.

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  38. I think the Warriors were the only team that could guarantee his contract for 3/4 of the season. But I think if they waited longer, GM Donnie Nelson of the Dallas Mavericks would have matched that.

    It wasn't just the money, but having a guaranteed spot on a team vs. a question mark.

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