FANTASY FURNACE

The ‘Harvard Hurricane’ is LIN-Believable!

New N. Y. Knick sensation PG Jeremy Lin! Photo: streetball.com

Making his first career start last night for the N.Y. Knicks, 23 year old Jeremy Lin showed coach Mike D’Antoni two things; one is that there is no longer a need to wait for Baron Davis to finally join the team given that his body has literally broken down. The second is that the run and gun is back and does work as long as there is someone to help orchestrate and facilatate, and that is exactly what Lin does.

He played for Golden State last year, his rookie season, and averaged just 9:48 over the 29 games he appeared in. A far cry from the almost 45 minutes he logged in last night’s win over the Utah Jazz. To prove that Saturday night’s contest vs the N.J. Nets was no fluke when he poured in 25 points and added 7 assists and 5 boards, last night in the Amare-less, Carmelo-less, and almost Chandler-less (foul trouble) Utah matchup, young Jeremy Lin went off for 28 points and 8 assists, shooting just under 60% from the field.

He put his team on his back and not only carried them to another victory, (a rarity for the Knicks), but because of his unselfish style of play, made all those around him look better. In fact his 8 assists should have been 12 if Jefferies and Chandler, the recipients of Lin’s alley-oops, could have finished the plays.

We’re reccommending Lin as a must pick up in all leagues. However, you’ll need to hurry as he was owned in 23% of most leagues on Sunday and today that number has jumped to 48%. The earliest Baron Davis would be on the court will probably be after the All Star break in almost 3 weeks and even then who knows how far his fragile body will take him. Even if he does return, his minutes will be montitored and lessened so there will be plenty left for Lin. We like him because as we stated in our December 28th post, “..he can fill up a stat sheet”… points, assists, free throws, and steals (he’s had 4 in his last two games). And he rarely turns the ball over as yesterday’s game will attest- 1 turnover in almost 45 minutes!

For Knick fans, he’s exciting to watch. He creates and drives the lane with authority, appearing fearless with his reverse layups soon becoming his patented move. He’s unselfish and thinks pass first just the way a good point guard should. He’s brought an excitement to Madison Square Garden that hasn’t been there in years. And Lin is a  humble kid; thanking his teammates and God after each game.

If D’Antoni doesn’t wear this kid out too soon, we could see him put up several double-doubles in points & assists before long, a la Steve Nash. And, without annointing him the next Walt Frasier, Lin could prove to be a savior and the best thing that’s happened to Mike D’Antoni in years! JER-AH-MEE! JER-AH-MEE! JER-AH-MEE!

Jeremy Lin in action making one of his patented layups. The kid's a keeper! Photo: deseretnews.com