Knicks Rumors: Jeremy Lin At Heart Of Conflicting Reports
Conflicting reports have emerged pertaining to Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks. One implied that Lin could return via free agency, while the other denied the Knicks’ interest.
The hiring of Jeff Hornacek as head coach has created a world of new opportunities for the New York Knicks in free agency. The Triangle Offense is far less restrictive than it seems, but the system has rarely catered to the strengths of traditional point guards.
With Hornacek taking over, the possibility now exists for the Knicks to explore its free agency options at the position.
The Knicks have a quality trio of point guards in Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant, and Tony Wroten. Unfortunately, no one knows what to expect from Calderon at 34 years of age, Grant in his second season, or Wroten coming off of a torn ACL.
According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, the Knicks could find help in the form of one of the most popular players in franchise history: Jeremy Lin.
"One rival executive suggested Thursday that the Hornacek hiring could pave the way for Linsanity Part II; Hornets point guard Jeremy Lin has a player option this summer in a massive free-agent market and is coming off his best season since leaving New York as a restricted free agent in 2012."
Lin would certainly fit coach Hornacek’s offensive system.
Hornacek’s system keeps all five players in constant motion, thus creating an offense that enables everyone on the floor to make a play. One of the most commonly executed plays is the pick-and-roll.
The pick-and-roll, of course, was the foundation for Lin’s success under head coach Mike D’Antoni.
For those who are somehow unfamiliar, Lin’s tenure under D’Antoni sparked an unforgettable period known as, “Linsanity.” Lin posted unfathomable statistics for an undrafted free agent who was discovered by the Knicks through the NBA D-League.
During that unforgettable 26-game stretch, Lin averaged 18.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 2.0 steals on 44.9 percent shooting from the field.
Unfortunately for those who hope to see Lin back in New York, a conflicting report quickly followed Berger’s release. It’s doesn’t guarantee that Lin is off the radar, but it certainly creates reason for skepticism.
Per Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks aren’t sold on Lin’s ability to contribute positive minutes defensively.
"Brandon Jennings, D.J. Augustin, Ty Lawson, Jeremy Lin, Miami’s unsung Tyler Johnson, Aaron Brooks and Mario Chalmers are also free agents. Sources have indicated the Knicks consider Lawson’s off-court issues too big a risk and Lin’s defense too gaping."
There are holes to poke in that theory.
Lin held opponents to 41.7 percent shooting from the field during the 2015-16 regular season. He had some trouble on close-outs on 3-point shooters, but he did a very solid job of keeping his man in front of him on the drive.
The Knicks, of course, had no bigger issue than defending slashing point guards.
Thus, while there’s far more to consider with Lin than what happens on the court, the notion that he’s a poor defender is simply untrue. He’s not exactly an All-Defensive Team candidate, but Lin has become a strong team defender and an above-average player in isolation.
Coupled with his proficiency in running the pick-and-roll, it stands to reason that Lin would be an excellent on-court fit with the Knicks.
must read: Which free agent point guards would best fit Jeff Hornacek's system?
The question is, which of Berger and Berman’s respective reports will prove true come free agency?