Jeremy Lin #7 of the Charlotte Hornets is fouled by Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 5, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo : Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks has found its point guard when it traded for Derrick Rose. That means they don't need to sign a free agent playmaker anymore.
That would be risky considering Derrick Rose's injury history. He has yet to complete one full season since he won the Most Valuable Player award in 2011. Thus, there could still be a conversation regarding Jeremy Lin.
In a report from Ian Begley of ESPN, Lin himself is fine with the idea of returning to where Linsanity began.
Begley transcribed an interview Lin had at the World Economic Forum wherein he shared his thoughts on free agency. One sentiment that he expressed is how he is tired of moving.
"I've played six years in the NBA; I've played on five different teams. I've played for two D-League teams -- so seven cities in six years. I'm tired of boxes, I'm tired of moving companies, and I want to find a home," Lin said.
Those statements seem like music to the ears of the Charlotte Hornets but so far, they have not made solid moves to lock down the mercurial point guard.
Lin's fame is inevitably linked with the New York Knicks where he first became a household name. Now that he has gained respect in the league, how about a return to where it all began?
"It's not looking likely because they just traded for Derrick Rose," Lin said. "But I will say that ever since I left, I've always been open to going back and I still am. Never say never, that's the one thing in the NBA, never say never. So I've always been open, but right now, I'm not sure if it's the best timing. But if it happens, it happens."
If there's one thing that would close the door on Lin's return, it won't be the acquisition of Derrick Rose. The Knicks traded their two incumbent point guards to the Bulls and Rose is not exactly an Iron Man in the league.
Another factor is coach Jeff Hornacek's penchant for running multiple point guards on offense. As Al Iannazzone of Newsday pointed out, Hornacek employed a two-point guard attack in Phoenix with Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas in the roster with Brandon Knight also joining later on.
"The Suns often played small. They attacked teams in transition and early in the shot clock, utilizing drive-and-kicks, and were a high-volume, three-point shooting team," Iannazzone described.
Lin also mentioned growth as a player, and if he wants to start, the Knicks could field him together with Rose, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Thus, a return to New York could not be ruled out. If it doesn't happen, Rose is not the reason.
