Can the New York Knicks Win with Jeremy Lin as the Starting Point Guard?

The New York Knicks have been a huge disappointment in the NBA this season. Expectations were so high that several fans were thinking that an NBA championship would not be a long shot.

After an 8-15 record, the Knicks were not only considered a disappointment, but also—all but done in terms of having any hopes to compete with the strong teams in the East. A few consecutive wins (three) can go a long way in restoring some faith at Madison Square Garden.

Take a look at these numbers from a surprising player during the Knicks three-game win streak:

Versus New Jersey: 25 points (10-19 shooting), seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals in 35 minutes played.

Versus Utah: 28 points (10-17), eight assists, and two steals in 45 minutes.

Versus Washington: 23 points (9-14), 10 assists, and four rebounds in 36 minutes.

One would think that the Knicks made a trade for Steve Nash, but no, those statistics do not belong to Nash—instead they are the numbers of Jeremy Lin from Harvard University.

Can the Knicks continue their winning ways with Lin as their starting point guard?

Yes they can.

In Mike D’Antoni’s system, the point guard has to rely on court vision and awareness on the basketball court. He does not have to be athletic, but it helps if he is. Lin’s strongest suit thus far has been his resiliency. Very rarely does a player from Harvard make it to the NBA. With Lin, he was originally signed one season ago by the Warriors in order to connect with their diverse fan base. It has turned out to be an interesting run for him.

Since signing with the Warriors, Lin was signed by the Knicks as an insurance policy at guard when they were decimated by injuries in the backcourt.

Lin has all of the tools to be a solid point guard for the Knicks. He is a smart player who doesn't have blazing speed, but knows the game of basketball, where the ball should go and where he should be on the floor. He has more than enough quickness to get to the basket for layups, and has a solid mid-range jumper.

But he does have some improvements to make.

His assist versus turnover numbers in the last three games are 25-11, with eight of those turnovers coming in the game against the Jazz. Opposing teams can pressure him into making mistakes and he will suffer some growing pains.

With only 40-career games under his belt, Lin is virtually a rookie. I suggest that he remains patient with the ball in his hands, take his time when dribbling and rely on his high basketball I.Q. rather than anything else.

This has made Steve Nash's career a Hall of Fame one. Nash has used his intelligence and on-ball quickness to go along with guile during his tenure under the same system. I will not say that Lin will be anywhere near as good as Nash, but if he emulates most of Nash's stronger abilities while expanding his game—the Knicks can and will compete with him at point guard.

Lin must also refrain from falling in love with the three-point shot.

Shooting 1-10 from behind the arc in the last three games is a small indicator that Lin has become comfortable hoisting shots, but it is his career shooting (2-13 for .154 from three) that leaves much to desire. With a healthy Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, the Knicks have enough firepower to offset any desires that Lin may have when it comes to scoring.

Simply put, Lin must practice patience when shooting the ball as well.

I believe that the Knicks are starting to turn the corner, and although it may be a bit too soon—Lin might be a keeper. I’m hoping that he stays in the starting lineup.

It is players like Lin that do indeed turn teams around.