I think the comment about his defense is incorrect. If you WATCH Jeremy Lin he puts great pressure on the ball and is actually a really good defender. The reason his opponent PER is high (higher than Dragic atleast) is probably because the Knicks team defense is pretty crappy.
I've seen the majority of his games, and you're right, at times he does pressure the ball well, but that effort has to be consistent. A lot of the time, he would sag of and gamble for the steal or just let his man pass, which could also be attributed to fatigue. You're only a good defender if you actually defend, if that make sense. Kind of like how Kobe probably technically is a good defender but I don't give him credit for it because he doesn't exert effort on that end most of the time, especially as he gets older. Like I said in the OP, I have no doubt that he'll only improve in this aspect, especially with his size, quickness, and quick hands.
I remember when they play the spurs in particular, STAT played some of the worst pick and roll defence I've ever since, left Lin on an island. commentators even said that if stat was active he could be like Olajuwon. Eugh.
About an hour to actually write it, but the ideas were all organized in my head already. Couldn't fall back asleep after waking up early so came to work early and wrote this
Just for the sake of accuracy, its a 35 game sample- roughly 1/2 of last season. I think Dragic,Lowry and Lin are all comparable players with different strengths and weaknesses. What I do like is that Lin 3 years younger than Dragic/Lowry and showing this level of production- dragic/lowry both made huge strides over the past 2+ years- I'm betting Lin will work on his game and show some improvements as well.
I'm saying that you should use something called eyes and facts. Lin can't go left. Dragic is left-handed. Lin never played in playoff game, because he was only 85% ready and didn't want to play. Dragic dropped 23 points in 4th quarter vs. Spurs which is still the most in Duncan-Popovich era. Dragic has been point guard for his entire life. Lin doesn't have true NBA position.
Great info. Thanks. Wonder how the figures of Dragic and Lowry like with their FIRST 35 real games :grin:
Just to add a little something to this. Here are Lin's box score stats from the time when he first played 30+ minutes (the beginning of "Linsanity") until Woodson was hired and Lin's role was changed (he may also have already been injured, it's hard to know). 19 games 36.3 MP 7.2 FG 15.8 FGA .453 FG% .333 3P% 5.1 FT 6.7 FTA .750 FT% RB 3.6 AST 8.5 STL 2.4 TOV 4.8 ---POINTS 20.4 ---TS% .543 Who knows if he can ever replicate that again. But let's just keep in mind that for a decent stretch of games, he DID play at that level. If the turnovers come down below 4 by the way, them's superstar numbers.
Only thing is that Lin is not a rookie but with his lack of experience and playing time he mind as well have been. Interesting I also thought Lin was a better finisher and not a particularly good jump shooter. Its a small sample size so we will see next year. For guys saying you prefer Lowry or Dragic.... Lin is 3 years younger and has had far less playing time. He is not as good as either of them but they have pretty much peaked at the age of 26 while Lin has a lot more room and time to grow. Not to mention the fact that having Lin gives us a lot more exposure.
