LINSANITY!!!!!!

[Cult of Personality]

Jeremy Lin for the Fourth Straight Game Scores 20+ points dropping a career high 38 points in the Garden last night. The Asian Superstar "I use the term loosely" has been taking the NBA by storm.

Do you buy into the Linsanity Craze?

Also with Carmelo Anthony and Amare' Do Back within the next 1 to 2 weeks Do you think that Lin will be able to continue his recent success when they come back?

My feeling is that he will drop off because Carmelo plays a lot of Iso defense. Carmelo won't allow for Lin to totally control the ball as a point guard and Melo definitely wont let Lin take 22 shots. Melo has a history of not giving Point Guards a chance. Look how good Ty Lawson is doing without Carmelo hoisting up shots. I am a Melo fan but he is a ball freak who doesn't usually pass as much as people would like.

I am a prisoner of the moment and I feel like given the opprotunites Lin can become a very good player and the biggest Asian Star Since Yao Ming "but not as big a star as Yao". I like to see the underdogs come out of nowhere and catch everybody by surprise.

He has continued his production for 4 straight games so it can't just be luck. He is on a scoring and assist frenzy. The Harvard Grad is making NBA Fun again.

Lastly, Any Good Nicknames for Lin?

 

[Big Sexy]

There's no doubt that the guy can score but it has only been 4 games. I still need to see more of a sample from the guy before I can make a 100% judgement on him. Right now with Melo and Amare out the Knicks really don't have a go to guy so Lin has been able to step in and take over the lead scoring role. It also helps that he is playing in Mike D'Antoni's system where he is free to run and gun and not expected to play much defense.

When all the smoke clears and we see more of a complete body of work from Jeremy Lin, I expect him to be a Ben Gordon or Jason Terry type of player. He'll be that first guard off the bench who will come in and give a team a great scoring punch. I highly doubt he'll ever be some elite point guard but he seems to have the abilities to be a double digit scorer in a sixth man type of role.

 

[Cult of Personality]

Good points. I can't see him doing anything as long as Carmelo And Amare are there controlling the ball. But Lin is putting up points in his first four starting games that no one has done since LeBron James.

Your right we have to wait it out right now

 

[J.J.]

Several seasons ago Ray Allen was out the beginning of the season when he played for Seattle. In his place an unknown player named Ronald Murray emerged - putting up similar numbers to Ray. Then suddenly he fell back into a roleplayer role when Ray returned and became a journeyman. Lin shows signs of brillance and his numbers are in impressive company. Don't see this wave of success continuing.

 

[Big Sexy]

The Flip Murray comparison is perfect. With Ray Allen out to start the 2003 season, Murray scored 20+ in his first 6 career starts and had 20+ in 10 of his first 11 career starts. He was getting a decent amount of media attention (though not as much as Lin because Seattle isn't New York) and then it all went away once defenses started keying on him and his playing time diminished with the return of Ray Allen. I made a comparison to Dana Barros in a Bar Room thread that also fits what he could be.

I'm not saying Lin is going to definitely end up like Flip Murray, but this early you can't really tell. There's a broad range of what he could possibly become. He could end up being anywhere from Flip Murray to Monta Ellis. Let's see where he is at after a full season.

 

[Alastor]

It is Lincredibe that the Knicks keep Linning since Jeremy Lin has been added to the rotation. Even though his turnover rate shows he still has lots to improve to become a dependable point guard, his numbers don't lie. Linsanity is real. He is BalLin and Linning. Charlie Sheen wish he is having some of this Linning instead of winning.

 

[SSJPhenom]

Sure; Jeremy Lin will drop off a little when 'Melo comes back; however, I don't think that he will drop off as much as most of you say.

Last night; Amar'e came back and what did Lin do? He had another double double with 27 points and 11 assists. I really don't think that it matters if 'Melo comes back or not and the reason why is because they are playing in D'Antoni's system. A system that is tailor made for guard play. All the guard has to be able to do is make jumpers and pass the ball. Lin does this very well and much like Steve Nash, Lin can also drive the lane.

I think that when 'Melo returns he will make a genuine effort to let Lin run the show. Sure; 'Melo will have his possessions where he sits and holds the ball for about 10 to 12 seconds and then tries to score on his own; however, you guys have to give 'Melo more credit than that. When he realizes that he is playing with a good guard, he has shown in the past that he has no trouble deferring to said guard or have you all forgotten guards by the name of Allen Iverson and Chauncey Billups? Especially Billups, because if 'Melo hadn't let Billups run the show, they definitely wouldn't have made it to the Western Conference finals during the '09/'10 season.

I think that New York is a legit play-off team now. I don't see them as legit contenders; but they'll be in the play-offs.

 

[CH David]

I think that New York is a legit play-off team now. I don't see them as legit contenders; but they'll be in the play-offs.

This isn't saying much. They made the playoffs last year, and when you look at the bottom seven of the conference, they all range from bad to downright awful.

Having said that, Lin is having a very good start to his career. In my opinion he is playing above his actual talent level, and will come down in a few weeks when teams finally have film on him. It doesn't hurt that they have played pretty crappy teams, outside the Lakers, every team is under .500. Granted the Knicks were at the under .500 too so take that for what you will. However, the Knicks didn't have someone like Lin to control the game. Melo is a scorer and so is Amare. Their other PGs are rather meh considering they were 8-15 before Lin started going off. Certainly doesn't hurt that he is benefitting from the D'Antoni offense.

I've said it when talking to my friends, when the Knicks actually play a good defensive team, that is when we will see how good he can be. Mavs should be a decent test for him. I can't see him being "Linsane" for the rest of his career, or even through next season. Teams will watch tape and figure him out.

 

[SSJPhenom]

This isn't saying much. They made the playoffs last year, and when you look at the bottom seven of the conference, they all range from bad to downright awful.

I know that saying that they are a playoff team in the Eastern Conference isn't saying much; however, what I meant was; is that they may actually be a 5 seed or higher. Hell, at this point, I wouldn't put it past them to have home court during the first round of the playoffs.

I agree that right now Lin may be playing above his talent level; however, he only has to get better from here. History has shown us that guards in the NBA can get better and better when they start to learn their teammates and start to learn their team's system. Also; like you said, it doesn't hurt that he's playing in a coach's system that is specifically designed for the point guard to run the show.

I think that Lin will have an all-star finish to this season.

 

[Alastor]

I keep waiting for Linsanity production to drop off, but he keep putting up Nash like numbers every game, now they even beat the NBA champion on a great defensive run. If Lin continues to improve and reduce his turnover rate, who is to say he couldn't become a guard similar to Nash in 3 years time?

 

[Khalifa]

I am to one of the doubters among Lin. Sure he can score on a shit offense but the kid isn't good definsively and hasn't played with a solid offensive threat on his team (Can we really count STAT anymore because of his new role?). When Melo comes back he will get less touches and his cracks will start to get better. Everyone will realise he turns the ball over way too much and needs to play consistent D. I think he is a good player, however I will only think he will be as good as Jose Calderon and that's all.

 

[Slyfox696]

I keep waiting for Linsanity production to drop off, but he keep putting up Nash like numbers every game, now they even beat the NBA champion on a great defensive run. If Lin continues to improve and reduce his turnover rate, who is to say he couldn't become a guard similar to Nash in 3 years time?

I am to one of the doubters among Lin. Sure he can score on a shit offense but the kid isn't good definsively and hasn't played with a solid offensive threat on his team (Can we really count STAT anymore because of his new role?). When Melo comes back he will get less touches and his cracks will start to get better. Everyone will realise he turns the ball over way too much and needs to play consistent D. I think he is a good player, however I will only think he will be as good as Jose Calderon and that's all.

People keep talking about his turnovers, but I've seen him play a couple of times now, and there's nothing wrong with his turnovers. Would it be nice if they were lower? Yes, but the guy is handling the ball nearly 80% of the time the Knicks are on offense. He had 7 TOs, but the Knicks only had 16 compared to the Mavericks 19. In any game, you have to expect some turnovers to happen, and if one guy is almost exclusively handling the ball, then he's going to be the one to make the turnovers. Obviously you strive for perfection, but his turnovers are not really that bad, when you see how often he has the ball.

I do agree about his lack of awareness on defense. There were too many times today where he didn't rotate properly, got sucked into the post for no reason, or just flat out couldn't find his man. That's something he's definitely going to have to work on.

But all in all, a guy who is averaging 25+ PPG and something like 8 assists a game while winning 8 of his last 9 games can play on my team anytime.

 

[GI Cake]

This NBA season is a very interesting one considering it is a shortened season. The Bulls keep winning games, despite the overwhelming amount of injuries. The L.A Clippers and the 76'rs are in first place in the Eastern Conference over the once dominant, Boston Celtics. L.A is getting a hell of a show between the Clippers and the Lakers. The Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently trying to show the world which team can make their opponents look bad. And Steve Nash is having the best season of his career despite his age. But nothing compares to the media flood storm of the emergence of Jeremy Lin, Point Guard for the New York Knicks.

Out of his first 9 games as NBA starter, Lin is 8-1 and is averaging 25PPG and 8 assist a game is a force to be reckoned with on the offensive side of the ball. Lin has came into his own on the NBA court and has yet to see how much better the Knicks can be when you add Carmelo Anthony to the mix between Lin, Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony, and Tyson Chandler. The Knicks are shaping up to be Eastern contenders.

But with Jeremy Lin, people still fail to look past his heart and his play and still see that he is an Asian man in a sport that has not seen an Asian NBA star since Yao Ming. So naturally the media overreacts to Lin and plaster ESPN highlights like. "Chink in the chain" And others say that Lin wouldn't be the hot topic he is now if he were a black man who graduated from Harvard Law.

Do you think Lin's race plays into the new found media craze?:

If Lin were playing for a team in the mid-west like the Timberwolves would he be getting the same media starlight?:

What are your personal thoughts on Jeremy Lin? Flash in the pan, future NBA star? Etc.

 

[Alastor]

Do you think Lin's race plays into the new found media craze?:
Of course. When 1/5 of the world population the same ethnicity as Lin there is definitely going to be more interest in him.
If Lin were playing for a team in the mid-west like the Timberwolves would he be getting the same media starlight?:
Maybe not the same but a similar spotlight for sure. The Timberwolves have their own version of Lin earlier in the season. Ricky Rubio anyone? NBA will always place more emphasis on players that can attract foreign interest in the league.
What are your personal thoughts on Jeremy Lin? Flash in the pan, future NBA star? Etc.
Potential to be a regular starting point guard in the league. He is a guard that fits well into D'Antoni's system. He is already a 'star' in the NBA sense because he made it to play of the day. He will make it to the all star team next season for sure due to the craze and hype.

 

[Big Sexy]

I was skeptical at first but Jeremy Lin is starting to make me a believer. He just keeps producing big numbers and more importantly, wins for the Knicks. Once Carmelo comes back and this teams gels together, they can become legitimate contenders in the East. Especially with JR Smith being added to bring a scoring punch off the bench.

 

[TWJC: The Beginning]

I like Lin. I don't know if it'll last, but his skillset is that of a creator, he creates opportunities for everyone. So if he is for real, it should actually help out Carmello unless Carmello decides to be a dick.

I read a comparison that Carmello is like HHH to Lin's CM Punk. He can either work with it and make it awesome or be a douche and try to hog it back.

That said, they aren't better than Miami or Chicago even with Lin and Melo playing well together.

 

[Big Sexy]

The first game back for Melo was a loss for the Knicks but it didn't really have anything to do with Melo's return. He only took 11 shots and got 11 points out of it so it was a decent return considering the time he missed. Baron Davis also made his return for the first time this season. They lost for two reasons. First, they shot the ball horribly, just 40% as a team. Second, Lin's defensive struggles really hurt them as Deron Williams tore him apart for 38 points.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

The first game back for Melo was a loss for the Knicks but it didn't really have anything to do with Melo's return. He only took 11 shots and got 11 points out of it so it was a decent return considering the time he missed. Baron Davis also made his return for the first time this season. They lost for two reasons. First, they shot the ball horribly, just 40% as a team. Second, Lin's defensive struggles really hurt them as Deron Williams tore him apart for 38 points.

Not to make excuses for the Knicks but they had a lot working against them last night:
- Facing a NJ team that should have had some confidence after a big win over the Bulls.
- Deron Williams knocking down 8 three's
- JR Smith in only his second game
- Return of Melo
- Debut of Baron
- The realization that their schedule is going to get really difficult

I don't envy D'Antoni at all. I don't have a clue how he gets this team to click again. Incorporating Melo is one thing, but Smith and Davis could create real problems for NY. They've been winning with lesser known players. I don't know how D'Antoni puts together a rotation and keeps everyone happy. Between Melo's need for the ball, Smith's streak shooting and Baron's attitude/laziness this team could fold quicker than they have risen.

Lin's been great and I don't think too many people are getting carried away by saying stupid stuff like "the Knicks are contenders for the title" but the Knicks need to start putting away some opponents early instead of keeping games close to the end. It's bad for ratings but teams like the Bulls get things done early sometimes and it allows their starters to rest and their bench guys to get valuable minutes.