Jeremy Lin’s return to the NBA from overseas begins in the G-League. The veteran could have lots to offer to the Golden State Warriors.
When most people hear the name recent Golden State Warriors signee Jeremy Lin, they are instantly brought back to Linsanity, a stretch of winning games for the 2011-12 New York Knicks that instantly made Lin into a household name not just across the United States but internationally and for Asian fans especially. In a 13-game run, Lin averaged 22.3 points and nine assists per game and even scored a career-high 38 points against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Although Jeremy Lin eventually had to undergo surgery due to a season-ending knee injury, he led the Knicks in an unexpected turnaround that landed them in the playoffs (and promptly lost in the first round).
After Linsanity, Jeremy was traded around the league, playing for six different teams from 2012-19. There are some concerns about Lin being injury-prone. In addition to his knee injury, Lin missed 46 games in the 2016-17 season with the Brooklyn Nets. However, he has been thriving since going overseas to play for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association this past year. Lin played 39 out of 46 games, averaging 22.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game on a 49.1 field goal percentage and a 33.8 3-point percentage.
Although the CBA is widely considered to play at a lower skill level than the NBA, Lin has said that he is the target of every team’s offense and that basketball in China is much more aggressive and physical. His experience in China has undoubtedly toughened him up and will help him be less injury-prone in the NBA.
Lin revealed after his season that he was ready to make a return to the United States. After seen practicing with the Golden State Warriors and now officially signing a deal with the Warriors G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, Jeremy Lin’s NBA dream is very much alive. The Warriors are no stranger to signing players from the G-League, as several players on the current roster are either on a two-way contract or have played for Santa Cruz.
Aside from Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kent Bazemore, and Brad Wanamaker, the Warriors currently have a young team with a bench that is very much still developing. Jeremy Lin is a veteran player and an NBA champion with extensive experience in the playoffs. His travels around the league and even to the CBA has shown his dedication to basketball and his ability to adapt and play in many different systems. Lin has even played with Curry before, which may provide chemistry- something that is often understated.
We can no longer expect Lin to be the electric starter he was during Linsanity, but he is far from washed up. Before leaving for China last year, Lin averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. He shot 43.3 percent from the field, 34.2 percent from three, and 80.9 percent from the free throw line. Lin is far from washed up and could still put up consistent numbers as a role player.
In terms of how Lin would fit on the Warriors’ floor, Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins have been a good scoring duo, especially on pick and rolls. There would most likely be no room for Lin as a starter but he could fit well into the Warriors’ second unit by playing alongside Damion Lee. Lin would most likely push Brad Wanamaker or Mychal Mulder out of this lineup.
All-in-all, it seems like Jeremy Lin’s return to the NBA is likely to begin with the Golden State Warriors. With Klay Thompson out, Lin would provide some much-needed depth to the team as another guard, as well as veteran experience.