Knicks Let Jeremy Lin Leave to Rockets

It was an unprecedented run that Jeremy Lin turned in before a knee injury ended his season prematurely. Not only was his statistical output exceptional particularly considering his lack of experience but he hit some clutch shots along the way and was the sole catalyst for the resurgence of the Knicks. He became a media and fan sensation arguably exceeded in exposure level only by that of Tim Tebow. In Lin’s case however most people were rooting for him rather than having the divisive split of supporters and detractors. 

That makes it all the more surprising that the Knicks did not match the Rockets offer to Lin and now he is headed to Houston. From a financial standpoint letting him go made sense – NY would have faced tremendous luxury tax penalties in year three carrying his salary on top of the huge numbers due Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Tyson Chandler.

Still it comes as a surprise given Lin’s supreme marketability and potential to be a very good player or even a star. The Knicks could have retained him only to trade him – or one of the other expiring contracts then – later but apparently the risk was too high that they’d have all four remaining in three years.

Lin began NBA 2K12 with a 56 overall rating. After he emerged as a starter scoring more points than anyone in their first three starts since 1976 – leading to an undefeated streak over 7 games averaging nearly 27 points an 9 assists despite that absence of Anthony and Stoudemire – he was boosted to 69 overall. That was followed soon after with an upgrade to 75 overall.

What do you think of the news that Jeremy Lin will be joining the Houston Rockets with the Knicks having filled the point guard position instead with Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton? Leave your thoughts in the comments!