Jeremy Lin News: Lakers Hall-of-Famer Questions Killer Instinct
After the Lakers fifth loss in a row to start the season, James Worthy offered a candid opinion on Jeremy Lin. “He’s a work in progress. He’s a (two) guard trying to learn how to be a point guard”, he said, implying Lin is still in development mode. “I’m not sure if he has a killer instinct yet.”
Nov 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) shoots the basketball against Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to Jeremy Lin, his carefree, confident Linsanity days always seem to rise to the surface. It seemed so much easier for him then. He played effortlessly and there wasn’t much thought about getting into the paint and leaving his mark upon the game, especially in the last few minutes. He played with energy and an unbridled passion as he dominated his time on the court.
That Jeremy Lin hardly resembles this Jeremy Lin, almost as if he designed it that way.
“He’s thinking too much. He just has to go out and play”, James Worthy said.
Basketball is the only profession where overthinking is a crime. At some point instinct has to take over. But in a contract year, when you are on your fourth team, when you have had stints in the D-league, when the team you left has not lost a game, and the team you are on has not won a game, the pressure builds and builds. It is easy to get overwhelmed.
James Worthy was not putting any blame on Lin for the 0-5 start. But he does have high expectations because he is a former Lakers champion. The truth is in the tape: Lin is the only other player besides Kobe Bryant who can create for himself. But his aggressiveness comes and goes which Worthy doesn’t understand.
Michael Cooper, another proud former Laker champion, only noticed Lin’s defense. His difficulty guarding explosive point guards is responsible for mental and physical fatigue. Cooper thought Lin was wearing down and that Byron Scott should switch Lin’s defensive assignment. Attempting to guard the Phoenix point guards, Lin had 5 fouls which limited the amount of court time he was given. Not having to expend so much energy on defense, Cooper explained, would allow Lin to play his style of basketball without physically wearing himself out.
“He needs to dribble less”, Worthy said. “That’s how he gets his turnovers.” As far as the point guards, Worthy didn’t think Lin’s performance against Phoenix had anything to do with the other team’s backcourt, players like Eric Bledsoe or Isaiah Thomas. Lin faced explosive guards during his Linsanity streak and it didn’t bother him then. He still produced.
It’s not particular fair but nothing is easy these days for Jeremy Lin. He had such a great middle to his story and since then he has been trying to create a career. His previous history in New York coupled with the criticism of any Lakers newcomer will hang over his head until he figures it all out. He is the coach on the floor. It is his team that he is directing.
After the game Lin was dejected, almost morose, unable to focus on the questions he was being asked, as if he was still back in the game, in those last two minutes when the Lakers were very close to tying the score. But he could not find a way to make it happen which was disheartening for Lin. Wanting to win is not a Jeremy Lin issue, nor did James Worthy imply that it was.
Jeremy Lin wants to win badly, for himself and for the team. But he has yet to demonstrate a willingness and desire to take the game over which was James Worthy’s point. He just can’t give the ball up and expect someone else to make the play. He has to direct everyone.
It doesn’t get any easier for Jeremy Lin either. On Sunday it is Kemba Walker. And on Tuesday Mike Conley.