The NBA Free Agency news has Jeremy Lin sharing more details on his impending free agency.
The former Harvard standout has stated before that he was content with his situation with the Charlotte Hornets. However, the Hornets may not have shared his enthusiasm and Lin has opted out of his contract and is now a free agent. He shares his thoughts on the Taipei Times.
"To me, the most important thing as a free agent is that I am happy when I play basketball or show up for work," Lin said. I was happy last year, but I was not particularly happy for the first five years [as an NBA player]. To be happy, I need to consider a few things. Of course I am going to consider who is coaching the team, the team's style, the players on the team and their chance of winning, as well as the on-court time I have and if I have a chance to start."
With the hints that he has given on his future plans, there are two destinations that could sound attractive for him, both are his former teams.
The Houston Rockets may featured an evolved offense with less isolation plays for James Harden and more involvement from the point guards in the Mike D'Antoni era. D'Antoni was Lin's coach in New York when he broke out of his shell and started "Linsanity."
The coach, predicted team style checks with the Houston Rockets. They also have a legitimate chance to win (at least make the playoffs) as the Rockets somehow made the playoffs this season despite all their issues. An improved offense and a better point guard (Lin, if he signs) will get them a bit further.
The New York Knicks will have a new, guard-centric coach as well in Jeff Hornacek. Lin might not be familiar with him but with his preference to have multiple point guards on the floor, Lin will not want for playing time.
While Carmelo Anthony is still there, the Knicks under Phil Jackson could bring in Lin regardless of his opinion (although Melo claims he does not really have negative feelings about Lin). They could be a playoff team in the East with the further development of Kristaps Porzingis.
The city of New York still reveres Lin, as Fansided points out. "This is the franchise his is still most beloved by. Charlotte held him in high regard last season for his spiky hair and great play behind Walker, but Knicks fans may get their wish in seeing Linsanity, Part Two at Madison Square Garden in 2016-17."