Knicks Rumors: Jeremy Lin Foolish to Be Upset with Team

According to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News, Jeremy Lin is not exactly thrilled with the New York Knicks right now. Lin is apparently miffed that the Knicks didn't go after him harder and instead waited for him to sign an offer sheet with the Houston Rockets before deciding to retain him. While I like Jeremy Lin, his anger is completely misplaced.

The Knicks will match the offer sheet the Rockets gave Lin which means he will be back in New York next season. The team basically did exactly what it was supposed to. The Knicks allowed their restricted free agent to go out and get a good deal, then they decided to match it. That is what happens when players are restricted free agents.

I realize Lin probably wanted to feel that the Knicks wanted him back and didn't want to go out and look for a new home, but this is the way the game is played in the NBA. It was Lin's first real experience with the business side of the NBA.

As it stands Lin is guaranteed to make $20.3 million over the next three years while playing his home games at Madison Square Garden. That's a pretty sweet deal for a guy who wasn't even drafted and was suiting up for the Erie BayHawks at one point last season.

In 35 games for the Knicks during the 2011-2012 season, Lin averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 assists and three rebounds per contest. He was a huge spark to the team and helped guide them back into postseason contention. 

He was probably always going to be back in New York this season; so while his instincts may tell him to be upset, he has to realize the Knicks just acted exactly like they were supposed to. I'm sure he'll come around and understand that New York did the right thing.