Jeremy Lin looks on as a member of the Hornets during a game last season in Charlotte. (Photo : Getty Images / Brock Williams-Smith)
Jeremy Lin was officially introduced as a member of the Brooklyn Nets during a press conference on Wednesday, July 20. The 27-year-old point guard is ready to bet on himself and help the Nets during a very difficult time.
Lin signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the Nets to become the team's starting point guard. It will be his first starting gig since his initial season with the Houston Rockets and his best opportunity to have a career season since "Linsanity" in 2012 for the New York Knicks.
The Harvard product compared his situation with the Nets to investing in a startup company. He mentioned during his press conference that he is ready to take the risk and realize his full potential, alongside his new head coach and teammates.
"I feel like that's kind of like how I saw this. I'm betting on certain people. I'm betting on Kenny (Atkinson). I'm betting on Sean (Marks). I'm betting on myself. I'm betting on Brook Lopez," Lin said, as transcribed by USA Today.
Lin will be reuniting with former Knicks assistant Kenny Atkinson, who was appointed as the new Nets head coach. He is being credited by Lin as the one who helped "Linsanity" breakout in New York wherein he had one of the best stretches for an undrafted player, the New York Post reported.
Atkinson is planning to make Lopez and Lin a dangerous duo on offense as they seem to be the perfect pick-and-roll partners. Nevertheless, the Nets will have a difficult time next season since many experts believe that they are one of the worst teams in the NBA.
General Manager Sean Marks struck out with restricted free agents such as Allen Crabbe and Tyler Richardson. The Nets immediately went to their Plan B, signing veteran players such as Randy Foye, Greivis Vasquez and Luis Scola. They also took a chance on Anthony Bennett, the 2013 first overall pick.
In addition to being touted as one of the worst teams, the Nets also do not have first-round picks until the 2019 season. They cannot build anything at the moment, so the only they can do is to remain competitive in the NBA.
As for Lin, the upcoming season will test whether or not he made the right decision to bet on himself. Check out the video below for the best plays during the incredible run of "Linsanity."
