Jeremy Lin News: After NBA Draft, What Team Is The Right Fit For 'Linsanity?'
With the Los Angeles Lakers expected to make lots of changes to their roster this summer, it seems inevitable that Jeremy Lin will move on from the team as a free agent. Head coach Byron Scott didn't give Lin the type of minutes he had previously seen with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, mainly due to Lin's perceived defensive shortcomings, but there are plenty of teams who may see the benefit in signing Lin.
Lin averaged 11.2 points per game, to go along with 4.6 assists in 2014-2015. He also shot a respectable 42.4 percent from the field, and a solid 79.5 percent from the free-throw line. Those are not jaw-dropping statistics but they might be enough to land Lin a one-year or two-year contract on a team seeking a player in his prime years. It's unclear how much Lin might receive in a deal, but he's expected to make significantly less than the three-year, $25-million deal he received in the 2012 offseason.
At just 26 years old, Lin can be a valuable asset on numerous teams seeking perimeter scoring. He also can provide playmaking duties on a team that has an inside threat. Here are a few that might be a good fit.
Sacramento Kings
Lin grew up in the Bay Area, and the Kings have stated that they are not seeking inexperienced players. Vice president of basketball and franchise operations Vlade Divac reportedly turned down a trade with the Lakers that involved the No. 2 overall pick and young forward Julius Randle for DeMarcus Cousins. At the moment, the Kings have guards that include Darren Collison, Ray McCallum, Ben McLemore, Andre Miller, Nik Stauskas and David Stockton. While Collison and McLemore are projected to be starters, Lin could be a suitable combo guard off the bench. The Kings have plenty of salary-cap space to sign Lin to perhaps a two-year deal.
Dallas Mavericks
With Monta Ellis expected to test free agency, Rajon Rondo almost certain to leave the club, and Dirk Nowitzki still yearning for another title in the final years of his career, the Mavericks could use an injection in the backcourt. Dallas drafted swingman Justin Anderson on Thursday, but that was likely due to the potential departure of small forward Al-Farouq Aminu. The Mavs want to win now, and could use a versatile guard. Lin might be a good option to play 20-to-25 minutes a game, and give the Mavs a shot at a postseason run.
Golden State Warriors
There have been indications that Leandro Barbosa might move on from the NBA champions, which would create an opening on the bench. While returning to his hometown might be an attractive option, Lin won't see much playing time behind Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and even Shaun Livinston. However, Lin might be a great complement to Steve Kerr's squad with his set shot and creativity. He could be good for over 15 minutes a game, to relieve Curry in the arduous regular season.
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