Jeremy Lin drives with the ball against Corey Brewer of the Houston Rockets during their game at Toyota Center last Dec. 21, 2015. (Photo : Getty Images/Scott Halleran)
Jeremy Lin could be the perfect "running man" to Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offense in the Houston Rockets.
The term "running man" probably rings a bell to all those who are into the latest internet dance craze, which Lin did with his own version during a trip in Iceland. This type of trend has no relations to basketball whatsoever, but it perfectly describes Lin's potential role under D'Antoni in Houston.
Lin, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July, has been linked to the Rockets following the team's hiring of D'Antoni, who was coaching the New York Knicks during the stardom of "Linsanity" in the Big Apple. With D'Antoni expected to implement an up-tempo offense, much like what he did when he coached the Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, Lin could be the team's own "running man."
If Lin decides to choose the Rockets this summer, it puts him on a reunion with the organization and James Harden, which could likely happen, according to Paper City writer Chris Baldwin.
"Lin and D'Antoni kept texting each other long after both left New York, and their bond remains strong. Sports have seen much more surprising twists than Lin returning to Houston," Baldwin wrote.
Lin played under D'Antoni during the 2011-2012 season, in which the latter has benefited well in the former's sudden rise to fame. Following a remarkable short-lived run with the Knicks, Lin signed with the Rockets for two seasons, before being traded to the Lakers and ending up with the Hornets last year. But despite being departed, Lin and D'Antoni have kept a strong relationship by consistently communicating to each other, which could be a major factor for Lin to join the Rockets this summer.
Lin would be a key cog in D'Antoni's fast-paced offense, which heavily involves speedy point guards to anchor the play. With the Rockets only having Patrick Beverley as the lead point guard, Houston could certainly consider the idea of bringing back Lin.
Moreover, Dwight Howard, who is also a good friend of Lin, may consider re-signing with the Rockets if the team could land the 27-year-old point guard.
Lin has been adamant he wants to join a team where his talents could be maximized to its full potential. Surely plenty of teams will attempt to lure Lin once the summer market opens, but the Rockets' recent hiring makes them a perfect fit for Lin's best case scenario when he joins his new team.
