Jeremy Lin is caught in a screen set by LaMarcus Aldridge while defending Manu Ginobili. (Photo : Getty Images/Streeter Lecka)
Charlotte Hornets point guard Jeremy Lin is expected to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent again. Many contending teams looking for a good sixth man will be making offers to Lin, as well as teams with a need for starting point guard.
According to 2paragraphs, the best fit for the 27-year-old guard is the San Antonio Spurs, who showed their age against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs looked old in their elimination at the hands of the younger Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
San Antonio needs a younger guard who can defend, create his own shot, penetrate defenses and draw fouls. All those abilities were shown by Lin in his lone season in Charlotte. He has improved his defense under head coach Steve Clifford while also proving that he is one of the best in the league in attacking the rim.
Even though Lin has expressed his desire to stay with the Hornets and sign an extension, the Spurs is one of the best organizations in the NBA. They also have the best coach right now that uses a team-first mentality.
On the other hand, teams such as Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards are also a fit for Lin, Hoops Habit reported. The Mavericks would need a new starting point guard if Deron Williams does not re-sign while the Pelicans need a decent backup for the injury-prone Jrue Holiday.
Minnesota's new head coach Tom Thibodeau is known to get the best out of backup point guards and Lin would improve his defense more under him. Just like the Pelicans, the Wizards need an insurance just in case Bradley Beal gets injured again.
In his first season in Charlotte, Lin averaged Lin averaged 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in just 25.8 minutes of action. He came in seventh in the 2016 NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting won by Jamal Crawford of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lin was a great fit with the Hornets, but he is not one of the priorities of the team. Charlotte has other free agents to worry about like Nicolas Batum, Al Jefferson and Marvin Williams. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old will have many offers to choose from when he hits free agency on July 1.
Check out the video below for Lin's highlights against the Spurs in the regular season.
