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New York Knicks: Jeremy Lin The Ideal Backup To Derrick Rose

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) talks to guard Kemba Walker (15) in a time out during the first half of the game against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) talks to guard Kemba Walker (15) in a time out during the first half of the game against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Versatility

One of the most intriguing aspects of Steve Clifford’s 2015-16 offense was the utilization of multiple point guards at one time. Jeremy Lin and Kemba Walker gave up some size, but made up for it with their offensive tenacity and opportunistic defense.

That bodes well for the New York Knicks, as head coach Jeff Hornacek knows quite a bit about running an offense with multiple ball-handlers.

Lin finished 2015-16 with averages of 11.7 points and 3.0 assists per game. Those numbers jump to 16.1 points and 4.7 assists per 36 minutes, and while some might fear that he’s not a capable facilitator, it’s been proven that he is.

Lin has averaged at least 6.4 assists per 36 minutes in three of his past five seasons, and has only dipped below 5.2 once.

When Lin is tasked with scoring, he can drive the lane and shoot the 3-ball with improved consistency. He maintained an average of 14.5 points per game with Walker on the floor, and accumulated a +/- of +2.2.

When Walker was off the floor, Lin’s averages boomed to 18.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 6.1 free throw attempts per 36 minutes. Either way, he excelled.

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