Jeremy Lin's Hype Highlights New York Knicks' Desperation
Saddled with the likes of Toney Douglas, Iman Shumpert and the aging Mike Bibby to start the season, it was only a matter of time before that wouldn't work for the New York Knicks.
The Knicks tried signing Baron Davis, but a herniated disc in his back and an elbow infection have kept him out all season.
So when undrafted second-year pro Jeremy Lin exploded the last two games for a combined 53 points and 15 assists, it was only natural for Knicks fans to erupt.
Who knows if Lin will evolve into a longtime impact player for the Knicks. He has single-handedly injected life into a previously-underachieving Knicks squad, and he surprised at times last season with the Golden State Warriors. There's certainly something to be said about that.
But not only has it just been two games, people seem to gloss over the fact that he had eight turnovers against the Utah Jazz on Monday, or had 4.4 assists to 3.1 turnovers in his senior year at Harvard.
There is something special about this kid—there's no denying that. What he's done the last two games has been incredible as a virtual unknown. But it does demonstrate how desperate Knicks fans have become for a team that can not only make the playoffs, but go deep in the playoffs.
Last season was a big disappointment. Despite picking up Carmelo Anthony midseason to pair with Amar'e Stoudemire, the Knicks finished 42-40 and were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
Then the Knicks went out and got prized free agent Tyson Chandler to man their center spot this season. Before their last two games, they were a deplorable 8-15.
When Lin exploded in New York these last two games, fans at Madison Square Garden rose to their feet, almost as if Lin's play had lifted them from depression.
Knicks fans haven't had this feeling for a while. Their legs have grown weak. Their once-proud demeanor has evaporated. And I can still hear the boos when the Knicks selected Shumpert with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft.
For now, Lin is being looked at as some kind of savior.
But all I'm saying is, it takes more than two games to be a star in this league. Let's not jump to conclusions because the landing could be painful on those wobbly legs.
