This may well help Lin out a lot in terms of pressure relief both on AND OFF the court. I see Lin's play improve with this trade. I didn't like kmart's chemistry with Lin on the court this preseason. Harden-Lin backcourt is going to be huge.
This is an excellent trade, but make no mistake Jeremy Lin is still the face of the franchise from a marketing and media standpoint.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Really sad to see Kmart and JLamb go...both class acts and great teammates. Welcome Harden, Cook, Aldrich and Hayward to Houston!!</p>— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLin7/status/262398256049422336" data-datetime="2012-10-28T03:39:54+00:00">October 28, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> im sad too i liked Lamb and Martin... and dont know who will be cut now
Lin is the face of the franchise. Harden is the beard of the franchise. Parsons is the hair of the franchise. And, of course, Asik is the umlaut of the franchise.
Harden will re-energize Lin, which has been lacking this preseason. I think Lin's knee is feeling a lot better tonight!
Lin never wanted to be considered the "face" of the franchise. He doesn't think he's good enough or experienced enough yet and he's said it already. As for the practical considerations, Harden/Lin create a defensive nightmare as back courts go. They both can pass, they both drive into the paint with ease, they both can score, and they both demand double teams to contain them. This should open up the lanes and make it easier for Lin to create. And while Harden's defense isn't elite, he's a Definite upgrade over K-Mart's matador D. Toss in McHale's uptempo, fast break offense and suddenly the Rockets are looking very dangerous this year... and given that they got even YOUNGER, dangerous for multiple years to come.
