Feb 25, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) reacts during the second half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Lakers won 100-97. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
In what has been a season full of head scratching moves, Byron Scott is at it again.
According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Byron Scott plans to start Jeremy Lin over Jordan Clarkson for the final ten games of the season.
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Scott’s logic behind this decision, like many other decisions made by him, makes very little sense. In essence, he said that he wants to see how Lin runs the offense now, compared to when he was a starter earlier in the season. And as for Clarkson coming off the bench, Scott said he wants to see how he performs in that role.
I think I can sum up Lakers’ fans collective reaction to this news: Sigh.
Let’s briefly break down the anti-logic of Scott’s decision. First, unless there is some belief that Lin is a starting caliber player for a playoff team (which there shouldn’t be), it makes no sense to insert him back into the starting lineup. If anything, Lin has shown that his true calling card is likely as a guard coming off the bench, who can create for the second unit, as well as score more easily against the other team’s bench.
Second, with reports that Clarkson was essentially untouchable at the trade deadline, it seems that the Lakers rightly believe that he has a bright future with the team. Given that this season has long been lost, it makes no sense to have Clarkson playing against other team’s second units. He needs to be thrown into the fire and get as much experience as possible so that he can grow as a player, and this growth will clearly be stunted if he isn’t playing against the other team’s top players. With Clarkson’s development being paramount this season, he needs to be starting and playing big minutes. Period.
Other than Mike D’Antoni, it seems like Lakers fans’ have turned on Scott in record fashion. And the fans angst is certainly justifiable, as Scott’s decision making, coaching style, and system leave much to be desired. As Anthony Irwin broke down, Scott’s decision making has been baffling all season long, and his decision to start Lin over Clarkson is simply par for the course.
There is no discounting the tough hand that Scott was dealt this season given the Lakers’ rosters obvious limitations. But lacking talent does not absolve a coach from criticism, especially when that coach’s decision making routinely defies logic.
To say that Scott was an uninspired hire by the Lakers’ front office would be an understatement. And unfortunately, Scott has been as bad as advertised, if not worse.
So the question then becomes, with hopefully better talent on the team next year, will Scott take steps towards becoming a more competent head coach in today’s NBA? What’s that saying about old dogs and new tricks?
I guess only time will tell.