Jeremy Lin: Knicks PG Added to Rising Stars Challenge
It turns out Jeremy Lin will be part of All-Star Weekend after all.
According to ESPN, Lin was added to the Rising Stars Challenge and Shooting Stars Competition on Thursday and will also assist teammate Iman Shumpert in the Slam Dunk Contest.
He was picked third overall by Shaquille O'Neal.
Lin, an undrafted point guard out of Harvard, has become one of the most popular players in the NBA. He led the New York Knicks to seven straight wins and into the Eastern Conference playoff picture, despite the team being without Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony for much of the stretch.
What It Means
Well, the world finally got what it wants.
Despite Lin not making the All-Star Game (given he's played in just 16 games this season), he'll at least be part of All-Star Weekend.
In six games as a starter for the Knicks, Lin has averaged 24.3 points, 9.5 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 51 percent from the floor.
All-Star Weekend surely wouldn't be right without one of the greatest underdog stories in years.
What's Next
Given Lin has had no problem lighting it up against all NBA players he's faced, he shouldn't have a problem against the younger players of the league in the Rising Stars Challenge. Expect him to dominate the game.
Lin will be joined by a WNBA player and a retired NBA player in the Shooting Stars competition.
Teams shoot from six spots on the floor. They must hit, in order, a 10-foot bank shot from the right angle, a 15-foot bank shot from the left angle, a straight three-pointer, an 18-footer from the left baseline, a three-pointer from the left side and a half-court shot.
Given the way Lin has been playing lately, I wouldn't be surprised if he hit all six shots for his team. If he nails the half-court shot to win it for his team in Orlando, the arena will literally explode.
As far as the Slam Dunk Contest, you can expect Lin to toss Shumpert some dazzling passes. Who knows, maybe Shumpert will even dunk over 6'3" point guard.
