Jeremy Lin: Linsanity Won't Be Ending Anytime Soon
Ever since New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin started lighting up NBA defenses, fans around the world have wondered how long Linsanity would last.
The answer? A long time.
There were predictions it would end when Carmelo Anthony returned or after the Miami Heat slowed him down prior to the All-Star break, but Lin just keeps on producing. He can flat-out play.
Here are three reasons Linsanity is here to stay.
Unselfish
When Lin first started to make waves around the league last month, he was taking nearly 20 shots per game in Anthony's absence. The Knicks were winning, and he was shooting a solid percentage, so nobody would have blamed him if he was upset the dynamic quickly changed.
Instead, when the Knicks' leading scorer returned, Lin immediately started to play more of a distribution role. He hasn't attempted more than 12 shots in the past three games. That shows he's more worried about the team than his own numbers.
Every interview he does, he's either talking about the team as a whole or one of his teammates. When somebody with so much talent is willing to deflect the spotlight, it's a terrific sign. Especially in today's world of me-first superstars.
Efficient Shooter
No team ever has enough scoring options. Not even one coached by Mike D'Antoni, who loves loading up his roster with guys who can knock down shots. So when you can score points without needing a boatload of opportunities, there will always be a spot for you.
Lin has had a shooting percentage below 44 percent just twice since entering the starting lineup. Six times during than span, he has shot at least 55 percent from the field. That's why he's still putting up respectable numbers even though he's not the main option anymore.
Teams have to respect his shooting ability, which opens up more passing lanes for Lin to find his teammates for open looks. He's really settling into the role nicely and should only continue to improve as he gains more experience.
International Popularity
Make no mistake, Lin's rise to fame is based purely on basketball. If he was still riding the pine, it wouldn't matter what team he played for; he wouldn't be a star. But now that Linsanity has taken over, his popularity will help him reach new heights.
As the sports world has witnessed with Tim Tebow, a player doesn't even have to be that good to maintain a strong fanbase once they become popular. So even if Lin goes through a minor slump at some point, Linsanity will not suddenly end.
So, while the doubters will channel their inner Mayan soul and attempt to predict when Linsanity will end, their efforts are going to be fruitless. It's here to stay, so enjoy the ride.
