Hey, with around 7 games left, what are your thoughts on Lin's performance? I still don't think his strengths are utilized on this team. Or maybe his strengths are too similar to Harden, and since he's the focal point of the offense, Lin kind of gets marginalized?!
What are your thoughts on Lin's back up, Patrick Beverly and why the hell has he finished some games over Lin?
Personally and honestly, overall this season I think Lin has done fairly well, for anyone thinking he'd averaged what he did during last year's Linsanity run would absolutely be ridiculous so we can get that outta the way right now. In my opinion and I think everyone should also take that into consideration, this was Lin's rookie season, we all know he rarely played in 10-11 and last year he was only given a chance in February because the Knicks' backcourt was so atrocious, and he did get injured before the 12 playoffs even started. To also think Lin was gonna keep playing at 100 mph as he did last year would also be asinine, I think the injury made him think that over, I also recall when Jason Kidd was contemplating becoming his mentor (before NY eventually decline to match Houston's offer) stating he would advise Lin to slow his game down and not play so "outta control", well Lin musta heard him because he did slow down this year.
On his partnership with Harden I have to agree with your assessment, I also think their skills are somewhat similar, the only major difference is Harden is MUCH better than Lin and I'm not sure how Lin would have fared had he been the main option as originally intended by the Rockets. Both are good scorer, only Harden is much better, his drive and score is better, and also his drive and kick, his shooting is also much better than Lin but Lin will improve. I think him playing off Harden have somewhat been of an advantage as the defense has mainly been focused on Harden, some would argue that his 38pts performance against the Spurs earlier in the season might refute that arguement but overall now as the season has played out I'm not quite sold on Lin's sole ability to be "the man". Not saying he eventually can't become the man but right now I like his role on the team and I think if he and Harden can remain together and learn off one another, they can eventually become the best backcourt in the league.
On the Patrick Beverly thought, to me he's finished some games over Lin because of his defense, and honestly he's just like Lin in a way that he's still a young raw PG learning the game and he's just given his opportunity, Lin should just take that as a challenge and nothing else. I haven't caught much of Beverly's play, but from what I saw he's a better ball on ball defender than Lin although Lin's defense this year has improved. Offensively he seems to have the same struggle than Lin, his shooting is relatively poor and he seems outta control sometimes, common denominator in a young player. Keep in mind that Kevin McHale is a former Celtics and was one of the best defender in his era so it's obvious he'll praise and preach defense.
I like Lin as a person and player and along with many fans think he can only go up, but we have to remain realist and patient. I always said from day one that I don't think he'll ever be a elite PG but he can eventually be a top 10 15 as he matures and improves his game. He'll never be a Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, or Tony Parker but I can easily see him become a Jameer Nelson, Mike Conley or maybe even Stephen Curry at best, but I highly doubt he'll surpasse that level.
