Jeremy Lin: New York Knicks Make Right Move Making Lin a Priority

New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson said on Thursday that Jeremy Lin would "absolutely" be back with the team, via ESPN.

Lin, who averaged 18.2 points, 7.7 assists and 2.0 steals in 25 starts with the Knicks this season, is a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Knicks are determined to re-sign him by July 1, when free agency starts.

While the Knicks' performance against the Miami Heat in the playoffs was disappointing, fans have to be excited about having Lin for a full season. Before he went down with a torn meniscus in late March, he had catapulted the Knicks back into contention.

The Knicks may have not even made the playoffs if it weren't for his spectacular play.

Woodson didn't say whether Lin would be the Knicks' unquestioned starter if he was re-signed, but he did make it a point to say how valuable Lin was to the team. In any capacity, he adds a spark to the lineup.

There may be some questions about the value the Knicks have placed on some other players in the organization, but they got it right making Lin a priority, who only figures to get better after his breakthrough performance this season. He single-handedly ignited the Knicks at one point this season and showed that he could be a starter in the NBA.

Sure, Lin needs to work on handling defensive pressure better (he also averaged 4.7 turnovers in those 25 starts), but he did show signs of curbing his turnovers later in the season. His quickness, ball-handling skills and passing made everyone around him better this season, and it became apparent down the stretch that this was no fluke.

Lin likes the Knicks, and the Knicks like him. They need to get a deal done, and do it as soon as possible. Lin may have been a "nobody" before this season, but everyone knows who he is now.