NBA: Jeremy Lin’s Preseason Performance Reason For Panic?
Photo Credit: panamericanonline.com
The Houston Rockets are going to be relying on Jeremy Lin to lead their young team during the 2012-13 NBA season. If the preseason is any indication, it could be a very bumpy ride. Is it just typical growing pains, or is there reason for panic in Houston?
The Rockets are a solid 4-1 during the preseason when Lin plays. So, they’ve got to be happy about the way the team is responding to Lin as a leader. However, a closer look at Lin’s individual numbers paints a much darker and much scarier picture.
In five games, his averages stack up like this:
25.8 MPG, 5.0 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.4 SPG, 3.0 TOPG, 22.2 FG%, 60.0 FT%
His minutes are a bit low, which is understandable. The rest of his numbers, aside from an impressive steals total, are horrid.
It wasn’t just one game that distorted his numbers, either. If it was a slow start, we could find reasons to dismiss these numbers. The problem is, it’s been a consistent stink coming out of the Rockets’ box scores.
At Lin’s best in New York, he was turning the ball over a bit too much, but he was still producing in multiple areas. They’ll certainly take 15 points, 10 assists and 6 turnovers. The problem is, if he shoots 22.2% from the floor, he won’t get to 15 points. He hasn’t scored in double digits yet this preseason.
Lin has not made more than three field goals in any game. He has not made a three-point attempt (0-9). His most recent game was one of his worst, with just two points on 1-8 shooting and no trips to the free-throw line. He had five assists, but also had five turnovers.
This season will surely be filled with growing pains, especially considering the Rockets are very young and will need to grow together. However, if the Jeremy Lin that they’ve signed is going to be producing at these levels, it’s going to be panic time sooner than later.
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