Jeremy Lin: Teams That Should Pursue Linsanity in Free Agency
Jeremy Lin would be a welcome addition to some point-guard-needy NBA teams this offseason.
Lin's contract with the New York Knicks is up, and though he is a restricted free agent—meaning the Knicks can match any contract that another team offers—there are a few teams that desperately need to aggressively pursue Linsanity.
According to the New York Daily News, Lin knows he may not end up staying with the Knicks.
"Nothing is set in stone. That’s what I’ve learned. I love the Knicks and the organization. But at the same time, it’s a business. Me, personally, I think it would be great if I come back. But crazy things happen and I don’t really know what’s going to happen.
"
Here are the teams that need to make a hard run at acquiring Lin from the Knicks this summer.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings don't really have a true floor general on their roster. Tyreke Evans isn't even really a point guard, and Isaiah Thomas is more of a shoot-first point guard who is better as a backup for energy off the bench, than as a full-time starter.
And don't even get me started on Jimmer Fredette. Taking him in last year's draft was one of the worst decisions Geoff Petrie has ever made as the general manager of the Kings. He isn't a point guard and is only good for one thing: knocking down threes.
Lin would be a perfect fit for the Kings. His energy and ability to distribute the ball all over the court would fit the Kings' offense well, and he'd be another excellent player to bring in to drum up enthusiasm for a franchise that's had a bad string of luck in that department lately.
Marcus Thornton and DeMarcus Cousins would be the biggest beneficiaries if the Kings were to land Lin, as both of them require someone to set them up for their offense. Neither man is adept at creating their own shot, and as they are the top offensive weapons on the roster it would behoove Petrie to bring in a true point guard to get them the ball.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Sun reports that the Raptors are mulling over whether or not to deal Jose Calderon this offseason in order to continue their rebuilding efforts. Coupled with the rumors that they might be interested in signing Lin, this makes perfect sense (h/t USA Today).
The Raptors have some good shooters on offense. They just need a dynamic point guard who can penetrate the lanes and draw defenders away from them so they can comfortably hit outside shots on the dish from inside.
Lin brings excitement to any offense, and the Raptors could surely use some excitement up in Canada.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks need a legitimate point guard to run their offense. Jeff Teague isn't the long-term answer, and his spotty play in the series against the Boston Celtics highlighted this fact.
The team has plenty of scorers, and if Lin were to be signed Teague would actually be a terrific option to become the starting shooting guard or at the very least become the sixth man off the bench.
Lin would bring a totally new spark to their offense. His desire to push the pace would open things up for Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford, and the Hawks would be one of the more dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference with him at the helm.
