KEY POINTS

  • Jeremy Lin missing G-League games is a red flag to his NBA return ambitions
  • Lin is dealing with back tightness, but the real diagnosis is withheld
  • Lin is playing well in G-League, but most NBA teams are monitoring his durability

Jeremy Lin admitted he was ready to go the long route to return to the NBA via the G-League.

However, it comes with the need to stay healthy, one of the identified problems that raised questions on his durability.

Lin missed his team’s game against the Canton Charge reportedly due to back tightness. It was a late scratch, and the full extent of the injury was not revealed.

Regardless, it raises an old issue of Lin being injury-prone, something that could factor in with his hopes of making it back to the NBA.

For those who have closely monitored his NBA career, he had several years where he struggled to remain healthy. I

t was one of the reasons why teams were wary of signing him despite knowing how explosive the 32-year-old could be on the basketball court.

Throughout his career, Lin dealt with knee, back, hamstring and ankle injuries. These are all well-documented and the 6-foot-3 had to find a way to prove doubters wrong.

Until the recent missed G-League game, it appeared he was well on his way. Looking ahead, Lin needs to consider that even if he puts up big numbers on games, longevity remains vital if he is to reach his goal of making it back to the pro ranks.

In four games, Lin has racked up averages of 17.8 points and 7. 3 assists per game. He has also shot well from beyond the arc with a 47.8% shooting clip.

Lin says he feels that he still has what it takes to play although he admits that he is still trying to recover from the injuries he sustained the past years when he spoke to The Ringer.

That could be a problem that he will have to address as early as now.

Former NBA Championship winner Jeremy 'Linsanity' Lin is leaving the Beijing Ducks after one season in China and seeking a return to the US
Former NBA Championship winner Jeremy 'Linsanity' Lin is leaving the Beijing Ducks after one season in China and seeking a return to the US AFP / STR

The numbers of Lin are impressive. However, it should be worth considering that this is expected from him since he is an NBA veteran.

Most know that the landscape changes once and if he gets called up by any NBA team. Though he will struggle to get minutes initially, it remains that he needs to be in top shape all the time.

Lin has two things to consider and is not only about performing. He may put up good numbers every game, but all this fizzles if he is taken out by an injury.

“Linsanity” knew it would not be easy and now he is facing the factors needed to make his NBA return dream a reality.

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