Jeremy Lin News: 6 Reasons New York Knicks Should and Shouldn't Sign 'Linsanity'
The New York Knicks are coming off their worst season in franchise history. Criticism is pouring in from fans towards Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher and James Dolan. The Knicks haven't been able to acquire big name free agents this offseason, but there are solid players remaining.
Jeremy Lin has been involved in free agent rumors with the Dallas Mavericks and Knicks, but would he be a good fit back in the Big Apple? Let's break it down.
Why the Knicks Should Sign Lin
1. Triangle
While many fans wanted Rajon Rondo in blue and orange, they may have been a disaster. Rondo lacks a jump shot, can't make free throws, and has trouble adjusting to new systems. Lin isn't the elite ball distributor that Rondo is, but he's a far better shooter, and he makes nearly 20 percent more of his free throws than Rondo does. The triangle offense requires a lot of movement and at least an average shot from the point guard on the floor. Fisher could coach Lin to be what he was with the Los Angeles Lakers in his prime.
2. Safe Investment
There's not much risk here anymore. Lin's huge contract has expired, and the Knicks can get him for a lot cheaper than the $8.3 million he made last year. On top of saving salary cap space, Lin is also just 26 years old having played more than 70 games the last three consecutive seasons. Lin is healthy, young and he won't cost a lot of money. The only question here is: do the Knicks want him on the roster?
3. Limited Options
Rondo, Reggie Jackson, Mo Williams, Cory Joseph, Patrick Beverley and others have already agreed to new contracts. The point guard free agency pool is drying up, and the Knicks have to make a move. Jose Calderon is talented, but he is aging and injuries are piling up for the Spanish point guard. Calderon played just 42 games last season for the Knicks.
Why the Knicks Should Not Sign Lin
1. Carmelo Anthony
Remember "Linsanity?" That all happened after Carmelo Anthony got hurt, and Lin was given a bigger role in 2011. The Knicks actually did better without Anthony and when Lin was on the floor. When Anthony came back, the two just couldn't find that chemistry to make things work. Anthony isn't going anywhere, and it was even rumored that he was "jealous" of Lin's first big contract with the Knicks. It would be something to see these two play together again.
2. Not an Elite Point Guard
Lin is a good all around young player, but he's not the next John Stockton. Lin averaged 6.2 assists per game with the Knicks in 2011, but his assists numbers have dropped. The Knicks could wait for Rondo to rejuvenate himself with the Sacramento Kings after just one year, and attempt to sign him. Going all-in on Lin now could hurt future plans if the Knicks want to sign a point guard later on.
3. Dallas Mavericks
With Monta Ellis and Rondo on new teams, the Dallas Mavericks are the heavy frontrunners to land Lin this offseason. The Mavericks made a great move to get DeAndre Jordan, but they lost their two best passers from last season. Mark Cuban is a fan of Lin, the Mavericks need a point guard, and Dirk Nowitzki is now 37 years old. The Mavericks are expected to go all-in on Lin considering they need a point guard like him. The Knicks may want to avoid a bidding war here. The Mavericks aren't even an Eastern Conference team, so they pose no threat to the Knicks.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter