Jeremy Lin is out to prove to everyone that he can play good defense outside his usual offensive prowess. (Photo : Getty Image/Streeter Lecka)
Jeremy Lin has made a living on the offensive end, something that may have overshadowed his ability to play defense. It was reportedly one of the reasons why the New York Knicks passed on him though there people who beg to differ.
Among the people who came to Jeremy Lin’s aid was Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, NBN reported. Contrary to the dish of critics on his defensive capability, Clifford singled out the hustle that Lin provided during his tenure in the 2015-16 NBA season.
There is no question that Lin has been known more for his daring drives and creative plays though he does get the job done on the defensive end with simple taps or pass disruptions. Lin also makes a living on the open floor and apparently it all starts from that.
Lin has been known to be a hard-worker and his quickness was something that Clifford believed was an asset. In general, he did it well as a back-up but everything now changes as a starter with the Brooklyn Nets.
One thing going for Lin is that numbers don’t lie. According to ESPN, Lin was surprisingly ranked 20 among point guards, ahead of big names such as former teammate Kemba Walker and Rajon Rondo of the Chicago Bulls.
Walker and Rondo are premier guards who have been known to play hard-nosed defense and yet Lin has been ranked ahead of them. With that in mind, the Knicks may have other reasons for now reconsidering Lin to the fold.
Regardless, Lin is not bothered by the criticism and believes that he has been in the league long enough to show how far he has come. His game has progressed and much of that showed when he suited up for the Hornets.
This season, the stakes are higher with Lin expected to do more than just being a starter for the Nets. He needs to be a leader and the best way to do that is to lead by example. All that starts by playing heads-up basketball on both ends which will hopefully rub off on his younger Nets teammates.
Check out some of Jeremy Lin's defensive highlights with the Charlotte Hornets for the 2015-16 NBA season.
