Jeremy Lin Return: Knicks Shouldn't Count on Star PG to Rescue Them vs. Heat

Not only did the New York Knicks get completely dismantled by the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, but they lost star rookie guard Iman Shumpert in the process.

The point guard depth in the Big Apple, once considered to be a problem because of too many bodies, is now a serious problem because of injuries.

Jeremy Lin and "Linsanity" faded away weeks and weeks ago, but now the popular guard is making headlines again as the Knicks get ready to take on the Heat in Game 2 (via ESPN New York):

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2012 NBA playoffs -- Jeremy Lin of New York Knicks hopes to return during Miami Heat series dlvr.it/1VXlnZ

— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) April 29, 2012"

To be more precise, Lin is hoping for a return in Game 4.

But the Knicks cannot afford to think about Jeremy Lin or his possible return. The overnight sensation hasn't been on the court since late March, and this team is light years different from what they were with him on the court.

The loss of Iman Shumpert is almost beyond comprehension, as they have nobody close to the perimeter defender that he is. Lin was actually one of the Knicks' worst defenders when he was healthy.

Aside from what Lin could or couldn't do for the Knicks, they can't wait for Game 4 for it to matter. The Knicks have to get a win here in Game 2, or they're going to be slaughtered in front of their home crowd and possibly get swept out of the postseason for the second season in a row.

Lin is the last player the Knicks need to think about right now. Their focus needs to be getting Carmelo Anthony off to a hot start tonight. They need to find someone who can at least run around with LeBron James for the majority of the game. They have to find a way to get their two big men involved without a trusty point guard.

They need to make sure they don't do anything they did in Game 1.