The Dallas Mavericks are overhauling their roster this offseason, letting go of their starting backcourt—Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo—as well as their starting center, Tyson Chandler. They have replaced Chandler with a younger version of himself in DeAndre Jordan, and signed Wesley Matthews to fill in for Ellis. Point guard remains murky.
That is where polarizing point guard Jeremy Lin fits in. According to reports, the Mavericks are interested in signing Lin but may need help from the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade to make it happen.
The point guard competition right now is between Jose Barea, Raymond Felton and Devin Harris, all of whom have flaws. Barea is one of the smallest players in the NBA, and a defensive liability. Felton has fought bouts of bad shot selection, fluctuates with his conditioning and also struggles defensively. Harris is a solid defender, but has a very streaky outside shot.
Lin appeals to the Mavericks because he can create his own shot and is adept at driving to the basket. He is also a very effective pick-and-roll point guard, which is the primary source of DeAndre Jordan’s scoring aside from dirty work rebounds and putbacks. Lin’s explosiveness and pick-and-roll prowess is likely enough to mask his defensive deficiencies and high turnover rate.
Signing him requires cooperation though, and if it falls through these three teams may kick the tires on Lin.
New York Knicks
Lin’s exit from the Knicks was contentious and messy, but the regime that booted him out the door is gone. He may be more of a pick-and-roll guard—and he definitely has issues with turning the rock over—but in the triangle offense the amount a point guard is asked to do is limited. Right now, the Knicks look like they will struggle to reach the playoffs, and they don’t have a first-round pick next season. At the very least, they should shoot for entertaining.
Lin has the ability to score, and Carmelo Anthony will need support. He’s more fun to watch than Jose Calderon, and he’s not a bad option to pair with rookie Jerian Grant. Knicks fans will get a kick out of trying to re-create “Linsanity” all over again, and maybe he’ll help them forget how long this current rebuild may take.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia doesn’t have a point guard. Obviously, the Sixers’ goal isn’t necessarily reaching the postseason; they remain in asset-collection mode, and the worse their record the better because of the lottery odds that gives them. The thing is, adding Lin doesn’t necessarily translate to wins.
Lin can score in spurts and bring excitement to a depressing roster that should be among the worst in the NBA once again. Even with a vision as clear as Philly’s, losing takes a toll. Maybe Lin surprises the world and succeeds with a role all to himself. If so, then GM Sam Hinkie has acquired a very valuable asset to flip to a contender, likely for draft picks. If Lin flops, then it’s no sweat off Hinkie’s back. He wants to stink anyway.
Indiana Pacers
Lin wouldn’t start for the Pacers, but this team lacks offensive punch beyond Paul George. When they need a lift on the scoreboard, Lin can come in and be their microwave. Starter George Hill has a nice stroke from the outside, but he’s not a go-to guy by any stretch of the imagination.
[Yahoo]
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