Jeremy Lin: How a Game 4 Comeback Will Impact Knicks' Superstar in Offseason

Jeremy Lin isn’t going to be back for Game 3 of the New York Knicks' first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, but Marc Berman of the New York Post is reporting the point guard may be available in Game 4.        

If Lin does return, it could alter his destiny in many different ways.

Here are a few possible scenarios in that contest that could change how the offseason goes for fledgling superstar.

Lin Lights It Up and Earns New York a Victory

Linsanity 2.0 begins and does not cool off if this happens.

By shouldering the load and winning one meager game against the Heat (and potentially following it with a so-so performance in Game 5 with the Knicks being eliminated) Lin would be in position for one hell of a summer.

As a restricted free agent with little NBA experience, Lin will be a hot commodity. He can only be given $5 million per season for the first two years of any deal, and the Knicks have the right to match any offers thrown his way.

One way a team might be able to pry him away from the Big Apple is by back-loading the deal. They can make the last two years of a potential contract (four years is the max) increase in price significantly and make it nearly impossible for the Knicks to counter.

That will not happen unless there is another significant buzz built up, and the only way for that to take place is with a big Game 4 performance.

Lin Fails Miserably and Gets Stymied by the Heat (Again)

Miami straight up shut down Lin when the Knicks played them on February 23.

Their defenders held the streaking PG to just eight points on 1-of-11 shooting. They also forced him into committing eight turnovers against his three assists in 34 minutes played.

If this happens in the postseason, the expectations will be lowered for Lin’s potential as a superstar. Many fans, analysts and teams have already been cooling off on him since the injury, and this would just confirm what they have been feeling for some time now.

New York would most likely retain their point guard’s services in restricted free agency and would not have to worry about insane offers being floated his way.

These are likely outcomes if Jeremy Lin can make it back in time for Game 4. If he does not play in this series and the Knicks are eliminated, you can assume his stock will remain relatively calm this offseason.