Jeremy Lin: Mike Woodson Wise to Be Cautious with Knicks' Star Guard

Jeremy Lin is closer to returning to the court, but that doesn't mean Mike Woodson is about to rush his star guard to feature in their battle with the Miami Heat, and that's a good thing. 

ESPN New York's Jed Zwerling reports Jeremy Lin took part in more contact during practice, but he still may not feature in the Knicks' first round series. 

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Despite Lin taking contact and making some aggressive moves to the basket, Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Lin will not play in Game 3 Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. He's not sure if Lin will play at all in the team's first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat.

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We would all love to see Jeremy Lin back this season, the surprise superstar that emerged midseason was a tremendous boost for the NBA, and the New York Knicks. 

But rushing him back to the court is hardly a necessity, and would do much more harm than good. 

The Miami Heat have taken the first two games, and are controlling the pace, tempo and practically every facet of their games. 

Down 0-2, there is no question the Knicks need a boost from somewhere to draw a win from this series. Certainly, playing Thursday in the comforts of Madison Square Garden will help, but they need a great deal more than home cooking. 

Lin wasn't available for comment after a more grueling practice, but Woodson offered this, via ESPN. 

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This is the first time he's been able to run up and down. He's gone through a lot of drills. The test is if he can cut and guard people and be able to handle the ball and make plays off the dribble.

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It would have already been a tenuous prospect whether Lin could handle the Heat's presence in the backcourt. 

A healthy Lin was lambasted by unrelenting double teams back in February, producing only 8 points and 3 assists in 34 minutes of play. 

I have no doubt that Lin has learned well from the encounter, and will be far more stout when he sees the Heat again, but he needs to face them fully healthy. 

The last thing the Knicks need is to rush Lin back only to see him go down much like Derrick Rose did for the Chicago Bulls. 

Cutting and matching up with elite guards is one thing, but the strength and stability of the knee and the surrounding muscles is another. 

Mike Woodson should only bring back Lin if he is 100% and if he thinks the guard will give the Knicks a clear advantage. 

Neither criteria is yet met, and that means more rest for the NBA's story of the year. 

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