Jeremy Lin, who can opt-out of the second year of his deal with the Charlotte Hornets to test the free-agency market this summer, knows he can further improve his stock ahead of this summer's free-agency with a big performance in the postseason.
Already ranked no.4 among incoming free-agent point guard [by Bobby Marks of the Vertical of Yahoo Sports], Lin will have an opportunity to build a reputation as a postseason performer with Charlotte heading into the playoffs for the first time since retaining their Hornets moniker.
Throughout the season, the 26-year point guard has been indispensible piece for head coach Steve Clifford, embracing the role as the 'glue guy' off the bench. While his regular-season statistics (11.3 points, 3.0 assists and 3,2 rebounds ) suggests a drop-off from last season, his significant improvement in defense has allowed him to impact the game on a different way other than scoring.
Then again, Lin proved that he can still light up the scoreboard when asked to do so. In fact, all four marquee wins by the Hornets against elite competitions (Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs) had Lin leading the charge. In last month's epic comeback win against the Spurs, Lin poured in 29 points along with 7 rebounds to stun the title favorite on their home turf.
Related Story: [Sixth Man of the Year dark horse Jeremy Lin records rare statistical feat in win vs. Celtics]
In the postseason, Lin will be squeezed to play his full potential. In short, everybody will see the point guard's true value when everything is on the line. While Kemba Walker has been exceptional this season, he won't be that much effective as swarming defense will force the ball out of his hands as much as possible.
That's where Lin needs to step up and become a lethal weapon in the backcourt. The Hornets boast one of the most explosive offenses in the league this season because of their depth. At the heart of the second unit is Lin, who usually provides the Hornets that second wind of offensive onslaught.
By the look of it, the Hornets are in collision course with either the Miami Heat or the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Lin averaged 13.3 points per game vs. Atlanta, and 8.5 points vs. the Hawks in the regular-season.
Everybody says reputation is made in the postseason. As for Lin, it's not only reputation on the line here, but also his next NBA contract.