[ClutchFans] Rockets to begin season with Beverley, Asik as starters; Jeremy Lin off bench

This is a key point that folks don't seem to understand. Optimization of Team's playing ability.

 

No, I'm expecting Lin to do exactly what he did last year. Nobody said he will be a superstar, you did.

 

Well, let's talk about it then. Do you really think Lin can start next to Harden and still be as aggressive as he has been?

Yeah, Lin wants to start. Not debatable.

Yeah, a lot of these Lin fans want him to start. Not Debatable.

Is that a good idea in light of roles on an actual competitive basketball team, with a No 1 option in Harden, No 2 option in Howard, when we all want Lin to go full Linsanity? Also, not debatable, and the answer is no, it's not a good idea.

Explain how Lin's aggressive mindset is irrelevant to him starting or coming off the bench? Or do you really think Lin is going to come in at the start of the game and waive off Harden and dominate the ball?

Or you think he should start, defer to harden, check out at 6 miniutes into the game having been a glorified spot up shooter, spent a bunch of energy defending Elite PG's, come back in when Harden checks out, turn on his Linsanity mindset, and just force himself into rhythm?

Seriously, what scenario is it more likely that Lin plays aggressively and well?

 

Why the hell do you want last year's version of Jeremy Lin, when this year is so much better?

When he can get national recognition for playing well, instead of just standing around watching Howard and Harden?

 

Honestly, outside of team politics, it is better to get all the starters motivated and into the game as soon as possible. How motivated do you think the player will be watching Harden ISO for 5 minutes to start the game?

 

Many people will never accept this, because the solution they want is for (1) Lin to start, and (2) McHale and Co. to make Harden give up the ball so that Lin can retain the freedom he admits he's found coming off the bench. That will very likely never happen, so long as Harden is the cornerstone of this franchise and Lin is a role player. Period. Again, not saying it's fair, but I highly highly highly highly doubt that ever happens.

 

Honestly, I'm maybe confused then. Is it more important to you that Lin starts, or put up Linsanity type performances?

 

So, are you agreeing with me (I think so).

Or are you saying that Lin should start, coach should instruct Harden not to Iso, and Harden will listen?

I just wanted to clarify b/c I think you're right. Lin isn't going to be very inspired to attack spending the first 6 minutes of the game watching Harden and Howard work.

 

Second half Lin was pretty good to me. The 4 games Lin started this year looks very good to me. Harden wasn't holding Lin back, Lin is. If the goal is for Lin to be a superstar, then its already a fail. If Lin gets 16/7 this year, then he did his job. But its an absolute slap in the face to be benched for an inferior player.

 

If that's the case, people might as well admit that (i) they're living in fantasy land; and (ii) know nothing about professional basketball.

Question to all: do you know what would have happened with Lin if he stayed with NY and Carmelo?

Yeah, the "Lin fans" want him to play for a team with no "superstar" like Milwaukee, and toil in complete irrelevance. That's a bull**** thing to want for Lin.

 

he is not getting a 7 dime this season.

 

I guess you're of the view that Lin can play aggressively on offense as a starter, and it's worth some risk of decline b/c he's next to harden, rather than him get "slapped in the face" comign off the bench.

 

Linsanity will never come back unless he has the system to support it. With Harden on the team, it never will. But we already saw glimpse of Linsanity when harden doesn't play. The potential is there but don't count on it. Rockets will win more games with Lin starting than with Bev, thats where I stand. You always play the better talent.

McHale's disastrous handling of Lowry's situation should not be repeated. With Omer's starting thing blowing up in mchale's face, you figure this issue if more important than you think.

 

I am advocating that Lin should start and get everyone motivated to play the game while Harden plays within the flow of the offense.

The thing is that if the goal is the win a ring, everyone needs to work as a team. If the coach can't command the offense and defense working of the team because a star player wants to do things his way, then it is up to the coach and GM to address it and not cater to this type of behavior.

 

What if Lin wants to be second option?

 

No, Lin needs to be the facilitator and go aggressive in the flow of the game. I think you misunderstand me. Its not about the point total, its not about Linsanity, its about being demoted to the bench. Ask the rest of the league about Lin's benching. Just go on any other team forum or newspaper and read what they say about lin. Its always Bev outplayed Lin for the Job. I always knew he was a scrub. Thank god Knicks didn't pay him the money.

 

He's already the 2nd option whether he's on the floor with or without Harden on the floor. Dwight is 2nd/3rd depending if we can get him the ball.

 

I dont know, Parsons still seem to be taking more shots and has more plays run for him than Lin.

 

Nothing wrong with that. Depends matchup. But only Lin and harden can create their own shots or create for others. Second option meaning Lin handling the ball and making a play, not just scoring.

 

(1) Is your argument predicated on the position that Harden "will not listen"?

(2) Or is it that you think Bev-Harden starting line up followed by Lin coming off the bench is intrinsically better for the team? (Even if Harden agreed to allow Lin to distribute the ball and get everyone involved at the start of the game; while Harden focused more on defense and conserved his energy for later in the game?)