Brooklyn Nets: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

4. Jeremy Lin to have a career year

Lin’s first season in Brooklyn was one of sheer frustration for himself and the franchise. A recurring hamstring problem limited him to just 36 games, and due to these recurrences, his playing time was often limited as he worked his way back into playing shape.

However, on the few times he was afforded the chance to play extended minutes, Lin flourished under coach Atkinson’s system. Overall, Lin averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 24.5 minutes per game. This included overall shooting splits of .438/.372/.816.

Over the seven games in which Lin logged at least 31 minutes, he averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.1 minutes per game. Furthermore, his shooting splits over these games were .430/.366/.854.

Atkinson is certainly looking forward to have is former protegé from his days as an assistant with the New York Knicks on board, as he noted last season as to what Lin means to the Nets:

"“He commands the respect of everybody: the coaches, the players. He just has a certain aura about him, and it translates to the team, to the young guys. He’s a take-command guy.”"

While far from a winning record, the Nets posted a 13-23 record with Lin in the lineup, and a 7-39 record when he was missing.

Lin’s career best numbers to date came in his “Linsanity” season, when he averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals in 26.9 minutes per game. With a full summer of preparation under his belt, Lin should be able to compete in close to 30 minutes per game in 2017-18.

And with a year under his belt in Brooklyn, and a noticeably improved supporting cast, look for the 29 year-old Lin to post the most impressive season of his career.