Tony Parker rooting for Jeremy Lin to succeed in the longer run – NBA Update
Jeremy Lin had a dream start to his NBA career. The young point guard made a transition from being a nobody deep on the New York Knicks bench to a superstar within a matter of days, and when his free agency arrived at the end of
season, there were a lot of voices in NBA, particularly in the Big Apple, who wanted to see the guard back on the team.
His return however, could have cost the Knicks a major fortune (not so much in terms of payment, but because of the luxury tax issues they were slated to face afterwards).
Knicks had to make a decision, especially in the wake of a back loaded deal by the Houston Rockets, and they made a smart one. They let him leave.
The point guard has not disappointed at Houston, but it is fair to say that he hasn’t had the sort of impact, which was expected out of him. So far this season, Lin has averaged 9.9 points, 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals
per game, and combined for 15 points before tonight’ game against the Spurs.
The reason for his poor offensive outputs recently has been his inability to knock down long jumpers and three’s on a consistent basis, and as the season has moved on, the teams are willing to back up and let him shoot from the
perimeter. That is something which Tony Parker, the starting point guard of the Spurs who is one of the best in the business at the moment, faced a lot early in his career. He however believes that it is only a matter of time before Lin overcomes his struggle.
Talking to the Houston Chronicle before facing Lin and the Rockets, he said;
“His shot will come,” Parker said. “Me too. I couldn’t hit a shot at the beginning of my career. I was still able to go to the basket. His shot will improve. It will help, definitely, his game. Definitely. When I start making the
outside jumper on a consistent basis, that’s when I was more consistent with my performance.”
“When I first came into the league, I was a little raw. I was very aggressive. At the same time, I had to learn the point guard position and when to score, when to pass and try to find that happy middle, find the balance. I think
Jeremy Lin is at that point. He’s trying to find his position on the team. And he needs to fit with another guy who is very aggressive with James Harden.”
The learning curve for Lin will be steep; it always is, even for the best. The important thing for him is to keep on trying. Who knows, one day he will make the likes of Parker proud.
Tags: