Jeremy Lin (Photo : Getty Images)
Jeremy Lin has been consistently linked for a reunion with the New York Knicks, but a report claimed he may not be the type of player the team needs this offseason.
It would probably be sensational for Lin to return at the Big Apple, where he officially became relevant to the NBA map, thanks to the spark brought by "Linsanity."
Lin, who opt out of his two-year $4.3 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets, could consider joining the Knicks once again as he ponder on his next destination, but according to Ananth Pandian, New York needs a "starting-level point guard" than a backup PG, which the 27-year-old has established in most of his career in the league.
"Lin seems like a strong fit for Hornacek's offense at first but he also may be better suited as a second unit guard, coming off the bench to score and push the pace, just like Lin's role Charlotte last season, which allowed him to have one of the better years of his career. But that's not what the Knicks need. They need a starting-level point guard that can efficiently run their offense," Pandian wrote.
Lin only played 35 games with the Knicks during the 2011-2012 season, but started 25 of them after answering the call for the Knicks, averaging 14.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. Lin then signed with the Houston Rockets, and played as a starting PG for the whole season, but was reverted back to playing most of the games as a backup point guard in the following years, including in his stint with the Hornets this season.
With the Knicks appointing Jeff Hornacek as their new head coach, there are speculations the former Utah Jazz player would implement a fast-paced offense, which suits Lin's style of play. But if the Knicks are having second thoughts of pursuing Lin in free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers could be one of the top destinations for Lin, according to John Buhler of Sports Illustrated's Fansided.
"If Lin views himself as a starting point guard in the NBA, perhaps his best opportunity to lead a team is with the hapless Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia seems ready under new leadership to get out of the Marianas Trench of power tanking by aggressively looking for point guard upgrades through either trades or free agency signings," Buhler wrote.
The 76ers have a projected max cap space of $61.2 million to pursue top free agents as the franchise, who held a 10-72 record during the regular season, attempts to become contenders once again.
Following the Hornets' elimination from the playoffs, Lin has revealed on his Facebook page that he wishes to be the best player he can be, which probably means earn a starting gig from any team. With the 76ers lacking reliable options at the PG spot, Lin could be Brett Brown's starting floor general.
It is undetermined whether the Knicks would truly pursue Lin in free agency, but if Lin really intends to spend the next season as a starting PG, the 76ers offer the best chance for the free agent PG to achieve his career goal.
