Everyone looks better in a practice session, than during an actual game. Jeremy always plays hard in practice, and this helps other players get better, because they are learning to score against a tough defender.
The Warriors, who were interested in re-signing Lin if he cleared waivers, are about to sign Nate Robinson to make it 15. So I think that closes the door for Lin to come back to the Warriors when the Knicks cut Lin. (Yes, I think it's a matter of "when" not "if").
So who's next after the Knicks? Maybe the Spurs? They lost Ginobili for a while due to a broken hand.
Lin playing for Pop' would be a great fit; he'd be finally playing for someone that truly values his d. Don't think it would happen though, the Spurs have some rooks of their own to develop with a situation like this.
IMO, the only way he's going to stick in this league for 10 years is if he shows he can be a playmaker who can control the pace of the game and dime people up consistently.
D'Antoni is the type of coach who rarely plays rookies or player with little experience like JLin until they've proven that they can be trusted with the ball. D'Antoni should be more comfortable with Lin when he has a few more practices with the team. Whether it translates to minutes we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully he impresses the coaches enough in practice to earn himself some PT. Once on the court, first and foremost he has to show he can take care of the ball and defend, then hit the occasional open shots and penetrate if the opportunity is there, not forcing it. I'm still a bit suspect on his ball handling; he needs to tighten that up to stick. His shooting mechanics are good enough, it's my last concern.
Regarding Lin's forcing/pressing in his last few outings: I agree with it. First of all, it's garbage time. That means the outcome of the game is already decided, and it doesn't matter what happens. If Lin plays conservatively, he'll be cut when Shumpert/Davis returns. If Lin plays poorly, he'll be cut when Shumpert/Davis returns. But if Lin makes a huge impression (drives through traffic and scores, drives and dishes, or knocks down some 3s), he may be kept over Bibby, or some other team will pick him up. That's essentially what happened during last year's summer league. Lin went into aggressive mode, and scored a ton over John Wall, which got the notice around the league.
Ideally, the coach will give Lin meaningful minutes during the middle of the game, and Lin will play smart and not take risks. But he hasn't had that opportunity, so Lin is compelled to take risks during garbage time.
Being short handed in the guard position, my opinion is that NY wants a backup who can come in and take care of the ball and defend, may be for 5-15 minutes without costing the team; that's the #1 priority; they weren't set out to fill the spot with a starter. Playing reckless is the last thing coaches want to see in that last 4 minutes JLin played. If it worked, great, if it didn't, well, he's sitting now; it set him back a few games. I hope he sees a few minutes in the next few games. When he does, he needs to play it safe, take care of the ball and D up. Get some trust from D'Antoni first, for that JLin has to show he can be dependable when he's out there every time and can't be reckless. Then he'll get steady minutes in a more predictable substitution pattern. Problem is time is running out, Shumpert is coming back so that few minutes will likely go to him instead because NY has a lot more invested in Shumpert.
If JLin does get cut, he should try signing with the Phoenix Suns. They have 13 players on their roster. And not really a lot of competition after Nash; Ronnie Price? Sebastian Telfair?
If he can't get off the bench to show he belongs, I doubt any other team will pick him up except D-league teams if and when the Knicks release him. Mike Bibby and Toney Douglas are no better than Ronnie Price and Sebastian Telfair.
Everyone looks better in a practice session, than during an actual game. Jeremy always plays hard in practice, and this helps other players get better, because they are learning to score against a tough defender.
ReplyDeleteThe Warriors, who were interested in re-signing Lin if he cleared waivers, are about to sign Nate Robinson to make it 15. So I think that closes the door for Lin to come back to the Warriors when the Knicks cut Lin. (Yes, I think it's a matter of "when" not "if").
ReplyDeleteSo who's next after the Knicks? Maybe the Spurs? They lost Ginobili for a while due to a broken hand.
Lin playing for Pop' would be a great fit; he'd be finally playing for someone that truly values his d. Don't think it would happen though, the Spurs have some rooks of their own to develop with a situation like this.
ReplyDeleteBoston or Atlanta would be another interesting choice for Lin...
ReplyDeleteThat jumper looks nice.
ReplyDeleteIMO, the only way he's going to stick in this league for 10 years is if he shows he can be a playmaker who can control the pace of the game and dime people up consistently.
Making nice layups isn't going to be enough.
D'Antoni is the type of coach who rarely plays rookies or player with little experience like JLin until they've proven that they can be trusted with the ball. D'Antoni should be more comfortable with Lin when he has a few more practices with the team. Whether it translates to minutes we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully he impresses the coaches enough in practice to earn himself some PT. Once on the court, first and foremost he has to show he can take care of the ball and defend, then hit the occasional open shots and penetrate if the opportunity is there, not forcing it. I'm still a bit suspect on his ball handling; he needs to tighten that up to stick. His shooting mechanics are good enough, it's my last concern.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Lin's forcing/pressing in his last few outings: I agree with it. First of all, it's garbage time. That means the outcome of the game is already decided, and it doesn't matter what happens. If Lin plays conservatively, he'll be cut when Shumpert/Davis returns. If Lin plays poorly, he'll be cut when Shumpert/Davis returns. But if Lin makes a huge impression (drives through traffic and scores, drives and dishes, or knocks down some 3s), he may be kept over Bibby, or some other team will pick him up. That's essentially what happened during last year's summer league. Lin went into aggressive mode, and scored a ton over John Wall, which got the notice around the league.
ReplyDeleteIdeally, the coach will give Lin meaningful minutes during the middle of the game, and Lin will play smart and not take risks. But he hasn't had that opportunity, so Lin is compelled to take risks during garbage time.
Being short handed in the guard position, my opinion is that NY wants a backup who can come in and take care of the ball and defend, may be for 5-15 minutes without costing the team; that's the #1 priority; they weren't set out to fill the spot with a starter. Playing reckless is the last thing coaches want to see in that last 4 minutes JLin played. If it worked, great, if it didn't, well, he's sitting now; it set him back a few games. I hope he sees a few minutes in the next few games. When he does, he needs to play it safe, take care of the ball and D up. Get some trust from D'Antoni first, for that JLin has to show he can be dependable when he's out there every time and can't be reckless. Then he'll get steady minutes in a more predictable substitution pattern. Problem is time is running out, Shumpert is coming back so that few minutes will likely go to him instead because NY has a lot more invested in Shumpert.
ReplyDeleteIf JLin does get cut, he should try signing with the Phoenix Suns. They have 13 players on their roster. And not really a lot of competition after Nash; Ronnie Price? Sebastian Telfair?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dopewar.com
If he can't get off the bench to show he belongs, I doubt any other team will pick him up except D-league teams if and when the Knicks release him. Mike Bibby and Toney Douglas are no better than Ronnie Price and Sebastian Telfair.
ReplyDelete