I am a fan of Jeremy Lin as well. I have also endlessly bashed the coaching staff with the way they've been misusing Jeremy this season. So my comments are as neutral as it can get. Also, i wasn't singling you out, was speaking in general.
so do you tell me every game was a loss when harden handled most? you listed just two or three games. we have already played more than half of total 82 games.
NP. McHales got a real dilemma tonight if Harden doesn't play. Does he let Lin play his game and probably win or does he restrict him, have others run the offense and risk losing. Let's hope he does the smart, obvious thing. Problem is it's not obvious to him.
McHale has one of the loosest schemes in the NBA. This offense does not demand too much of Jeremy. It's simple: push the ball, attack seams, & distribute. His timidity is an issue because he tends to hesitate when he has an open look. He needs to start shooting the ball with confidence. Easier said than done, though. His inconsistency is throwing this team for a loop. He does not have an identity. Harden's an offensive dynamo, Asik's a rebounding machine, Parsons is a glue-guy, Delfino's a gunner, and so on. Jeremy's a wild card. One night, he's fiery, unflappable, and sure of himself. The next, he's shaky & disconnected. The fate of this team rests on his shoulders. At this point, he looks like he'd be best suited in a backup role, where he would be facing much less pressure. He has proven to be a slick passer, at times, but he has arguably the worst handles of any PG in the NBA. He could provide a nice spark off the pine. He's not GREAT in any one facet, and he's actually below average to mediocre in most. Ultimately, I don't think he's the man for the job. He's not a championship-caliber PG, and never will be. Most will fire back with standard "blame-it-all-on-Lin" responses or slap the "LOH" tag on me, but that's far from the truth. Jeremy's one of the most likeable guys on the team. He's a class-act & a great ambassador for the sport. I love when that dog comes out in him on the floor. That being said, he's not the long-term answer for this team. Jeremy's a cash cow, and that's certainly enticing to many organizations in this league. I wouldn't be surprised to see Dork Elvis feature him in yet another "no he didn't!" blockbuster in the near future. CP3's a pipe dream in FA, but maybe D-Will could be pried from the grips of the Russian czar and his disgruntled FO in Brooklyn. The prospect of a Lin homecoming to the Big Apple could tip the scales. Or, why not make a play for the lightning-quick John Wall while he rapidly depreciates in DC? McHale's free-flowing style & a change of scenery could be just what he needs to break through. Anyhow, eager to see Vucevic & Asik butt heads tonight. Also, Parsons should have a boatload of family & friends at the game. It will be his first time playing in front of his hometown crowd in his career. He'll have a monster game.
During our 7 game losing streak Harden was the primary ball handler. Many clutch fans have pointed this out. Parsons also handles the ball too much.
I'm not guaranteeing anything. Against a weak team like Orlando, even on their home court, we should win if our players are utilized correctly. I'm PREDICTING a win if McHale frees Lin. I'm PREDICTING a loss if we have point guard by commitee like against the Bucks. Maybe my prediction will be wrong - so what? I can admit my mistakes - I've never heard McHale admit he made a mistake though.
I agree start Beverley and play Lin 15 minutes a game. That way we'd get rid of McHale faster and have a chance to develop our young talent correctly.
No he hasn't. Lin has never been the primary ball handler. He may have handled the ball more than before but Harden has still been the primary ball handler.
I also noticed that Jeremy hands the ball to Harden at the end of games but I think that's the coaching strategy, not Jeremy being less aggressive. As for game winning shots, I think the OKC game is as close as we can get. Harden will get the ball no matter what to start the offense. He will either drive to the basket or shoot a jumper. If he gets doubled, he should pass to an open teammate. As for Jeremy being aggressive and looking to score, I think he's best when there are screens. That is also a coaching decision. I agree that it's not about James vs Jeremy, but finding a way to play to both their strengths. I hope the current coaching staff can accomplish that.
I think Asik will get more rebounds, because the magics have a lower FG percentage, so Asik will get more rebounds. But of course you can't determine that with just FG percentage...
