Jeremy Lin says his hard work will prove the critics wrong – NBA News
Houston Rockets newly acquired point guard Jeremy Lin has said that he is only looking forward to next season, and feels that his hard work and effort will ultimately silence his critics.
Lin recently joined the Rockets for a three year deal worth $25.1 million, after the New York Knicks decided not to match the offer on the restricted agent. The decision to join Houston was not received well by some fans and led
to him being labelled as overpaid.
“I will always, always have doubters. But I really want to reach my potential to bring glory to God. That is more motivation than haters and doubters. I want to work just as hard, give just as much, whether or not I have haters,”
said Lin while talking to the San Jose Mercury News.
Lin broke out onto the NBA scene last season with the New York Knicks, when an injury depleted Knicks roster forced then Head Coach Mike D’Antoni to start Lin as the point guard, who had been a bench afterthought in the Knicks
roster till then. Lin used the opportunity to display his talent, and went on to score at least 20 points in 9 of 10 straight Knicks games, while leading them to a 7-0 winning streak. Lin’s season was shortened by a knee injury, forcing him to miss the end
of the regular season as well as the playoffs.
As a restricted free agent, Lin was given a three year $25.1 million offer by the Houston Rockets, and the New York Knicks decided not to match it as doing so would have paying luxury tax. The Rockets initially offered Lin a four
year deal with Lin making a little over $9 million in each of the final two years, and the Knicks management openly stated that they would match the offer. However, the Rockets changed their offer to a three year deal worth $14.88 million in the final year,
forcing the Knicks to let Lin go. Lin received criticism after signing with the Rockets, with people calling him greedy.
"I didn't go back to them and ask for more money. It wasn't like they gave me the choice to sign one of the two and I chose the one that would hurt the Knicks. I had one contract offer. That was it,” added Lin.
Lin now looks to make a career with the Houston Rockets, and will have plenty to prove when the next season commences. However, he feels ready to get onto the court and prove his critics wrong.
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