Jeremy Lin needs to start for the Hornets as soon as possible…so they can trade him. Yes, Charlotte’s season is only five games old, and Lin has performed well in those five games, but the team looks like it’s facing an uphill climb to the playoffs.
Lin was passed over for a starting job after an excellent preseason in favor of P.J. Hairston, who has averaged 5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists as the small forward. Lin, on the other hand, is averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds and also playing two more minutes than Hairston. Hornets coach Steve Clifford said he loves the combo of Lin and Jeremy Lamb off the bench together, but he’d probably prefer a competent starting five.
Lin Loving Charlotte More Than NYC, L.A. Or Houston
Lamb might make more sense in terms of fitting the starting lineup, and Lin fits a primary playmaker for the second unit, but increasing Lin’s trade value is probably the best course of action. His performance is encouraging, particularly his career-best 38 percent mark from 3-point range. He’s marketable, with an enormous Asian fan base, and he’s finally affordable, having signed a two-year deal for just more than $4 million this offseason. Lin can’t be traded until Dec. 15, so that’s why his value should be built immediately.
Carmelo, Kobe Were Bad For Lin
Giving up on the postseason so soon is a difficult pill to swallow, but there are three clubs (Hawks, Wizards, Heat) clearly ahead of them talent-wise in their own division, and their top player, center Al Jefferson, showed signs of decline last year. A rebuild is upon them yet again, so making Lin as attractive as possible, and dealing him for assets, could help speed up the process of a tear-down.
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