Lin has had four straight games of at least 20 points and seven assists. The only other player to have a streak of that length this season is LeBron James. Believe it or not, Lin is going to be an allstar in the future.
Lin might be an all star in the future, but that would be due to the Chinese votes and NY homers more than his own play. He took 24 shots to get 20 pts, and had 6 turnovers last night. Not exactly what I'd call all star caliber Also, I like your very narrow definition of 20 pts and 7 assists like its supposed to mean something. Lowry is averaging 15,7,5,2 this season. That's much better than 20 pts, 7 assists 6 turnovers, and Lowry's been doing that all season long not just 5 games.
Even Kobe Bryant has those kinds of games. I look at what Lin is doing, and he is going to be a starter / all-star for a long time to come. Will he be a superstar is the league? That depends on a lot of things. His scoring will likely go down with the return of Stoudamire and Anthony. And he probably won't shoot over 50%, especially once he has been scouted enough. But the kid has an awesome feel for the game and amazing court vision. And as Steve Nash has shown, that is more than enough to get the MVP. At 23, playing like he is, his future is very very bright. There is no doubt about that. He may not average 20+ points a game this season or next. But he doesn't have to. That's not what you need from him. He will get you 8-10 assists and that is what is amazing. The steals, the hustle, the passion for the game, the diversity of his game and how sharp and fluid it is. Lowry is faster, quicker, and more explosive. But not by a whole lot. And the "Basketball IQ" on this guy is off the charts, probably Nash levels. He's going to be a permanent fixture and immediate turns the Knicks from a pretender to a serious playoff team.
IF Lin can continue this production over a span of a season (not like last night but this 4 game span overall), then he would be worthy of being an All-Star. And then, it would be debatable. As of right now though, this debate is not even close, it is Lowry. Regardless, what do we accomplish from this thread? I can start a Lowry v Paul/Rose/Deron/Nash/bla bla bla thread but so what? Fact is, we have Lowry. And he is playing his heart out, doing everything he can, helping this team win.
This is just his fifth start of his career..He is still in the learning process so having 6 TOs is no big deal. Let's face the truth..this kid is playing better than Lowry right now and has shown tremendous upside..He's quick and athletic, has a nice touch around the basket, great body balance, solid passing and he can shoot.
Ok some points here. Kobe bryant scores 20 pt games every single game for much of his career, Lin has only done that for four games. Kobe also scores very efficiently, even when the D is focusing on him. Comparing him to LIN is just plain ridiculous. Lin does have a Nash/Rubio/Kidd understanding of the game, but he doesn't have the skills to do what he wants to do. Nash and Rubio don't get 6 turnovers a game no matter how bad their teammates are, because their passes are always precise and on point. Lin's passing is average, and his vision leaves a lot to be desired. The high turnover rate is proof of that. Saying "Oh Steve Nash is MVP" is just ignorance, Nash doesn't just have a high understanding of the game, he's also an amazing scorer, and is pretty much unstoppable offensively. Lin doesn't even have a working 3 pt shot yet, much less the ball handling and passing skills Nash has. As for potential growth Lin is only 23 years old, but Kyle Lowry is only 2 years older than him, and is already miles ahead in development. Lin might have a higher Bball IQ, but that's about it. Lowry's the better athlete, defender, rebounder, stealer, shooter, scorer and can actually get 7 assist games without getting 6 turnovers in the process. Someone like Rubio might actually surpass Lowry one day. Lin never will, the gap is just too wide.
How is Kyle Lowry miles ahead in development? Lin has single-handedly carried the Knicks to a 5-0 record and is averaging 27+8. I have no idea why all of you are bashing about his turnovers..He is still learning how to play and he will improve in this area in the future.
Lowry is miles ahead because he is superior in many other areas of the game. He isn't "bashing the turnovers," he is merely stating and pointing out facts. Lin is younger and if he continues developing like he has, he will be better. But as of right now, it is what it is.
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/02/13/20120213_fantasy_A.nba 3D with the answer.... Lowry over Lin Lowry only second tier? Dennis Scott took Lin over Calderon, BJennings, John Wall, Devin Harris, Jack, Jameer, Felton