I have a confession to make….when Linsanity first hit the scene back in February 2012 I didn’t pay much attention to it. Matter fact I didn’t care much for it, thinking that anybody that breaks out with 25pts (vs the Nets) in a game when he never scored anything significant prior to that was just having a lucky run. I sort of disqualified Jeremy Lin as hype, and just a star for the moment that will fall as quickly as he rose. When he scored 38pts against the best player in the league, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers something grabbed my attention. I was wondering who is this Jeremy Lin Kid? An he is Asian? Asian American??
I started watching his games after that and I was very much impressed and entertained with his style of play. However in the back of my mind I was still doubting his ability to last on the long run. Maybe I had images of Jin da MC who rose to the top of the rap world after he tore everyone apart on freestyle friday on 106 and Park but then was forgotten a year later. (There is no denying Jin’s skill on the mic) but he just couldn’t make it in a black dominated industry without the correct support. When Jeremy Lin I didn’t feel the same way. I just doubted his true ability in his skills and ability to play well consistently. He’s new to the NBA I thought and no one is taking him serious because he’s Asian so that’s why he is not guarded to the max by the defense.
Fast forward to Jan 2013 and I’m watching JLin’s highlights for the last 5 games with the rockets. This time, I’m no longer judging him for him but studying and analyzing his moves. Jeremy Lin has the quickest first step I have seen in not only a long time but in any point guard currently in the NBA. As soon as he puts the ball on the floor and drives, he has his opponent beat by at least a half step. Jeremy Lin loves to drive to the right most of the time and I’m sure the defense is aware of this but the incredible thing is, they can’t stop him! Why? Three reasons. First, Jeremy Lin has the most quickest first step to the right than anyone in the league. (Just watch his highlights if you don’t believe me). Second, he is tough even though he may be one of the smallest on the court. He can take the shot from the defense and still stand his ground even against opponents much larger and stronger than him. He also has no fear and is not afraid to get hit, fall to the floor or even bleed. (How many games already have we seen Jeremy Lin bleed or get cut? The man has no fear. (he reminds me of Duane Wade back in 2006). Last, is ability to finish no matter what he is up against. He can finish like any top scorer, shooting guard or big man running the floor. No matter how off balance he is, crooked or awkward looking the shot or angle he takes the shot may be, he has the ability to put the ball in the basket and finish his drives to the basket. (Don’t believe me then take a look at his highlights on youtube).
When Jeremy Lin catches fire, he can shoot the ball from anywhere. He can drill it from behind the 3 point line, he can drill the spot up 15 or 20 foot jumper, perimeter shot, off the dribble shot and the pull up jumper. Study his highlights if you don’t believe me. He also has the eye of a hawk and can spot his open teammates while attacking the basket, running the fast break or from all the way down the court. There is no secret in why he leads the Rockets in assists with over 6 per game. Last, Jeremy Lin is a great leader with his style of play. He has the ability to make all his teammates around him better. During his linsanity run in New York he made all his teammates involved and better. They played as a team and you can see the life and motivation in his teammates when he was on the floor with them. Look at the highlights, Tyson Chandler, Novak, Jared Jeffries. Same for Houston. He has a certain charisma on the court and in the sport of basketball that just makes those around him follow him and better. The only doubt I have for JLin is ability to play with a fellow star. He doesn’t seem to do to well when he has to share the ball with his fellow star player on the team. (Carmelo Anthony, James Harden).
Another thing to not look pass is his ability to steal the ball. Many of this steals come from anticipating when the opponent is about to pass the ball and jumping into the passing lane at the right time to make the interception/steal and then running the fast break and finishing it himself or any big man running the floor with him.
Jeremy Lin has skills and can play ball. I don’t care what anyone says. His play on the basketball court proves that. He needs to stay more consistent. But Jeremy Lin’s biggest obstacle is not himself but his race and others that do not believe in him. His coaches need to stop doubting him and believe and trust him by putting the ball in his hand. Statically whenever the ball is in Jeremy Lin’s hand, they win games. I don’t blame those who doubt him since I once did, but now I can’t understand how you don’t see his skills and potential. And if you don’t, then you have to ask yourself: Is it because he’s Asian?
THELONEWOLFTRAVELER 