Nah, it didn't make sense to keep him. He wouldn't get any significant minutes here. Lin is the right man at the right place in NY.
OK China's biggest basketball forum hoopchina.com (daily visitors > 338,000 according to statscrop.com) has just crashed.
As an Asian American, I was very disappointed to see Yao get cut down in his prime. I just saw the YouTube videos of Jeremy Lin's first two break out games, and all I have to say is WOW! I love this guy's game, and his apparent mentality on the court. He arrived in the league with no hype, and many people labeled him as "unathletic." I wouldn't be surprised if his race played a part in that, because "unathletic" is not what I'd say about him based on what I've just seen. The guy looks like he has a VERY quick first step. But it's more than just that first step. It's his style of play that I love. He makes extremely aggressive moves toward the hoop, for a disproportionate number of shots in the paint. I really respect that, because it shows that he's smart and knows what he's doing. Lots of NBA players are athletic, but lots of NBA players settle for crappy jumpers. Not Lin. This guy just doesn't seem to back down. He's quick but he's no 260 lb. genetic freak like LeBron. Doesn't matter. When someone gets in front of Lin, he doesn't stop his dribble. He keeps going, around or through his opponent even after making contact. Lin looks like he has great body control around the hoop, able to absorb contact, readjust his arms, and make the layup from different directions. This might be a stupid comparison, but he reminds me of the way I play online games like Modern Warfare. I can't phsyically compete with the twitchy teens with 0.2 second reflexes. I still beat most of them by making decisive moves, and arranging advantageous situations. So I like that Lin is someone who knows how to play well, instead of just another person with a body to play well. And that passing...he seems to have a perfect pick-and-roll partner in Tyson Chandler. Lin's got the crossover, the hesitation fake outs, the ability to penetrate, and great passing ability. What a pleasure his game is to watch. If Lin keeps this up, I think he may do a better job of breaking stereotypes than even Yao. Yao was a great player, but he also didn't come to this country with a full grasp of English. His demeanor was very traditionally Chinese, not outwardly emotional even though he performed on the court. Lin, on the other hand, is a Chinese American kid who plays with passion and aggression. He's a quick penetrating guard with a lot of moves, which should win him over with more fans. I loved watching Yao's post game, but it's a more plodding style that doesn't excite most people the way that guard play does. Yao was also bashed for getting by on his unique height, something that nobody would confuse the rest of the Chinese people with having. As a "regular" sized player with an American style game, Lin can break barriers in ways that Yao couldn't. That he's playing in the NBA after graduating from Harvard, and coming from a good family that has emphasized education, is even better. Yeah, yeah, it's only been three (three!) dominating games so far, against some pretty bad teams. The jury's still out on whether Lin can keep this up. But he's definitely cause for optimism. That' he's doing it in the biggest market team, in New York (my local region) where there's a sizable Asian population, is just a great coincidence. Also a great coincidence is that he'll be playing against the Lakers this Friday, when I'll finally be able to watch a game live... Lin vs. Kobe...premature, but I can hope. :grin:
While the help defense on that play was bad, you have to give it to Lin that his passing ability got the respect. Watch how the defender was hesitating because he's worried about Lin dishing it to the corner 3pt shooter.
I am pretty sure if there's an American winning in Sumo Wrestling, a lot of Americans would be cheering. :grin:
I'm a fan of Lin after watching his second break out game. He might be the one to keep me in tack to the NBA after Yao was done.
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