Jeremy Lin enters this summer as one of the most-sought names in the free-agency market following a strong year with the Charlotte Hornets. In fact, the former Harvard standout is already generating interest from seven teams, including former teams like the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.
But among the suitors for the versatile guard, the Milwaukee Bucks proves to be an intriguing destination for him largely because of the presence of legendary point guard Jason Kidd.
The Bucks have been trying to land Lin ever since Kidd took helm as its head coach. It's no secret the former New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks star has been eyeing Lin as his protégé from the moment he laid eye on him four years ago.
Kidd, who recently signed a contract extension to coach the Bucks, is still looking for a point guard who can effectively run his system after trying Brandon Knight and Michael Carter-Williams. There are rumblings within the Bucks coaching circle that Kidd likes the upside of the 26-year old Lin in fast-paced, free-flowing offense.
Averaging at least 11 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game, Lin has earnestly become a much better defensive player that he had been the previous seasons. His ability to hold his ground against explosive scoring guards allowed Hornets coach Steve Clifford to solve mismatch problems in the backcourt all season.
After failing to lead the Bucks to the postseason last season, Kidd is expected to reload and make some noise next season. There are several enticing options in the free-agency market at point guard spot, but Lin apparently stands out as a better fit for Kidd's system because of his skills-set.
Then again, the competition for Lin's service will be a lot tighter compared to last season, when every team is a little bit iffy to take a player who is coming off a nightmarish season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Other frontline suitors for Lin are the Brooklyn Nets, who apparently have head coach Kenny Atkinson as its trump card to win over the guard. The Houston Rockets is another team to watch out and that's because of Mike D'Antoni, the man Lin credited for his success in New York four years ago.