Jeremy Lin will be one of the most interesting free agents in the offseason.
"Linsanity" took a one year offer with the Charlotte Hornets after a mediocre season with the LA Lakers. He hoped to play better and win a bigger contract at the end of this season and he succeeded immensely.
He has been a vital cog in Charlotte's surprising run that will propel them to the playoffs in a season where most critics have written them off. Now, it's almost certain that Lin will get big bucks, but is he also get a starter's role, if not with the Hornets, some other team?
The Hornets are not on tanking or resting mode and they need their full concentration for the playoffs, which is why Lin, just like LeBron James, is "minimizing the clutter" as he shared on The Chris Mannix Show (h/t Hoops Hype).
"Anything that says 'Jeremy Lin' I just don't click [laughs]," Lin confided. "I'm used to it now where when I go to post on social media I say what I want to say, I post what I want to post and then I just turn my phone off. I don't scroll through the comments, I don't let anybody get to me or whatever."
He also vaguely hinted about his starter's role and he did not seem so eager about it. "Starting in Houston, I had to learn how to be effective when it's not just a bunch of pick and rolls time after time [like in New York]."
Is Lin content with his role in Charlotte as the main backup point guard? His starting stint with the Lakers also did not run so well and eventually, the Lakers chose Jordan Clarkson over him. But his tandem with Kemba Walker with the Hornets is turning a lot of heads and the buzz will continue in the playoffs.
If Lin decides to stay in Charlotte and keep his role, is he the best back-up point guard in the league? That was a discussion on NBA.com.
Shaun Powell summed up the contest in the best way: "I love the spunk that Jeremy Lin is giving the Hornets, but my pick is Dennis Schröder of the Hawks, who has raised every facet of his game (11.5 points and 5 assists in 20 minutes per). Tough and fearless, Schroder has often played better this season than Jeff Teague, who slumped badly early on. I just wish the German would go all-out with his hair as he does on the court. Go full blond. Be daring."
Schröder is the best choice statistically but he has already declared that he wants to be a starter-and he played to compete for the role. There are rumors that he may actually get it next season with Hawks starter Jeff Teague in trade talks.
In contrast, Lin worked well with the thriving Kemba Walker and both of them had their best season in years. When it comes to embracing the role of being a spark from the bench, Lin is definitely a contender.
Other names considered were Shaun Livingston of Golden State, Cory Joseph of Toronto and Patty Mills of San Antonio.