MYFOXNY.COM -
The New York Knicks have taken a backseat to the whole Dwight Howard debacle, but make no mistake, the Knicks are still relevant, but not because of Howard and the Brooklyn Nets.
This is about Linsanity himself, Jeremy Lin.
Let me keep it short and sweet: don't lose Jeremy Lin.
Chris Broussard from ESPN reported on the Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco Show on ESPN New York 98.7 FM that Lin is going to meet with the Houston Rockets Wednesday. Knicks, make your move. Are you going to just cross your arms and pretend that he will still re-sign? Or, will you create a contract that will keep Linsanity a part of New York?
People are expecting Lin to just re-sign with the Knicks because no one is willing to make offers that are worthwhile for the restricted free agent, but Steve Nash is the talk of New York right now. Everyone is saying Nash will revitalize this team and Nash will bring out the best in the team because he is a distributor, a scorer, and has years of experience.
However, Nash doesn't have a lot of years left in him. And the Knicks do not need another superstar. They do not need Nash. Why? Because Lin is arguably a replica of Nash.
Like Nash, Lin moves the ball fundamentally. Lin passes the ball, like Nash. Lin can shoot a jump shot, a three, and drive strong, like Nash. One thing Lin can do better is defense.
And he is younger; Nash is 38, Lin is 23. When you are looking to build a team, you have to consider how long you can actually keep a player. Lin has an entire career ahead of him and he can become a legacy in New York.
He has already proven he can handle the pressure of the bright city lights. Nash probably has three more years left, and it is no guarantee that he can play with this Knicks team. Lin has proven that he can play with Carmelo, Amar'e, Chandler, and company.
Also, understand a Nash and Stoudemire reunion doesn't mean the good old days of 2006 for the Phoenix Suns. Mike D'Antoni ran the offense, and under his system, Nash and Stoudemire did damage. D'Antoni is not in New York anymore. Mike Woodson is, and he is all about hard, gritty play, which flows with the assassin in Carmelo Anthony and the rest of the young Knickerbockers.
The New York Knicks should focus on re-signing Lin because they cannot allow another team to take away the one person who lit a fire in this squad when all looked bleak.
Yes, there is speculation as to whether Lin can deliver. One season does not prove something, but it can be an indication of what can happen. Lin will now have a full training camp, a full season, and time to accustom himself to a starter role. He was never a starter before he broke out, but now he has been exposed to what it takes to be an NBA starting point guard. With the right push and motivation, he can be a great point guard.
Lin has the potential, but the Knicks have to believe in that potential and trust that he will deliver.
Just remember one thing: Lin salvaged a season for the Knicks. If it weren't for Lin stepping up when he was called on with Anthony injured, the Knicks would not have made the NBA playoffs. If it weren't for Lin, the Knicks team would not have come alive like it did.
Folks, stop the attacks because if you are Knicks fan, you should be begging Glen Grumwald to shift his focus off Nash. It is not a guarantee the Knicks get Nash, but it is a more probable option with Lin. The Knicks office though has to show that they actually want to keep Lin.
Brooklyn is making moves, the Knicks should be doing the same thing.
Enough of being passive, re-sign Jeremy Lin, get another defensive player and build a bench for your starters and focus on bringing a championship to New York with a team you know will deliver given a full season.
New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin, Feb. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
