Jeremy Lin: Knicks and Young Point Guard Would Benefit from Steve Nash's Arrival

Older quarterbacks in the NFL take up the role of mentor for young studs with high potential, and that's exactly what the Knicks should do by pursuing Steve Nash in the hopes for both wins and the development of Jeremy Lin. 

A young, highly-talented, yet inexperienced Lin isn't quite ready to carry the type of heavy load that he was administered throughout much of this season. He was forced to score and facilitate at will upon his arrival into the starter's role, instead of taking time to flourish like young players should. 

New York's undisputed top three stars—Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler—are all big-bodied forwards that do little to match the quick type of play that elite teams possess. Without Lin, this team severely struggles to find a reliable player to bring the ball up the court.

Nash is set to become a free agent when the offseason begins on July 1. 

A former teammate of Nash, Stoudemire expressed his interest in reuniting with the Canadian baller after their season came to an end earlier this week. 

"

“Everyone knows that Steve loves New York and that New York loves Steve,” Stoudemire said. “I love Steve. It would be great to have him here next year.” - via NY Daily News

"

Adding Nash brings in an incredible resume, more than meets the eye for most fans. He's a two-time league MVP (2005, 2006) and an eight-time NBA All Star. His quickness and shooting stroke with the ball are only topped by his unique facilitation and ability to run an offense. 

It's no secret that the New York Knicks have a weak backcourt. In fact, it's this weakness that is most exploited by opponents. 

Injury problems riddled the already-dim chances of advancing past the first round as reliable vet Baron Davis went down as well as rookie Iman Shumpert. The Knicks were even forced to start a surprisingly-not-that-washed-up Mike Bibby in Game 5. 

That's not even mentioning the fact that Lin was out with a knee injury for the last month of the season (and the playoffs). 

Adding Nash and re-signing Lin would all but answer New York's guard dilemma. They would be able to get rid of Bibby and Davis and still have depth.

Nash, Lin and Shumpert would make a great trio. Then, throw in Steve Novak and a possibly re-signed J.R. Smith to knock down the deep jumpers and New York has themselves a scary backcourt. 

Linsanity hit New York like a bad cold, and it's hard to say that even such a big market wouldn't be heartbroken if Lin were to sign elsewhere before next season. Bringing in Nash while keeping Lin allows the electric MSG fan base to remain strong, while adding reliability and expertise to a position that has neither with Lin as the only ingredient. 

It's very rare that a team has such an obvious missing link in the chain of the elite. With the daunting frontcourt that they already boast and a slew of guard talent, adding one of the best point guards ever would put the Knicks in the conversation, along with the Heat and Bulls, for the best team in the Eastern Conference.