Jeremy Lin: New York Knicks Would Be Wise to Let Him Go

The whirlwind fame and rise of "Linsanity" has ended in New York as Jeremy Lin has moved on from the Knicks and found a new team with the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets have offered Lin a contract of $25.1 million for three years. And the Knicks have a chance to match that and get Lin back.

But should they even try?

Lin rejuvenated a lackluster and jaded New York Knicks audience. He was New York's out-of-the-blue star with an inspiring story. Lin broke the mold of the typical successful NBA player.

Lin is a graduate of Harvard and spent his career in the NBA court side and on the bench. Then the story unfolds. He was finally given a chance. The Knicks put him on the court this past season and he lit up Madison Square Garden. He was an overnight sensation. Or a "Linsation."

Whatever it was, Lin had it.

But the Knicks may want to stay put on this decision. Matching Houston's contract for Lin to get him back in New York would be a risky move. According to Howard Beck of the nytimes.com,

"

...the issue is not the money, but the resume. Lin averaged 18.6 points and 7.6 assists in his 26 games as an everyday player. But he hardly played as a rookie and his ultimate value is unclear.

"

And at $25.1 million, that's a lot to pay for a player who showed a burst of performance (and popularity) but has no proven track record of consistency.

Of course, when Lin did play for the Knicks this past season, he was on fire. He gave the Knicks just what they needed, popularity and a boost for the team as well as the fans.

But considering his knee injury, New York's inflated payroll issues, and Lin's uncertain long-term performance, it's best just to let this one go.

The Knicks had that glimmer of hope for a short time, but let's face it, Lin was not going to be the answer to all their woes. He was not going to single-handedly give the Knicks a championship title. For the Knicks, resigning Lin would mean too much money for not enough proof.

The deadline to match Lin's deal is 11:59pm on Tuesday, July 17, and the Knicks would do well to put their checkbook away and wave one last goodbye to Lin.