Jeremy Lin continues his unique NBA journey in Charlotte this season. Lin chose Michael Jordan‘s Hornets because Charlotte came out of nowhere and the decision just felt “right.” Is it also because he thinks the starting job might be had? After a checkered Lakers experience under Byron Scott’s losing thumb, Lin is ready to go. He’s being seen as a backup to starting point guard Kemba Walker, but is that what Lin wants? Unlikely. Lin has said time and time again that he believes he’s an NBA starter.
[BONUS: The Jeremy Lin Quiz — Think You Know Jeremy Lin? 13 Questions]
Hornets head coach Steve Clifford has already said he’d sometimes play Lin and Walker together, optimistically likening their effect to the Steph Curry-Klay Thompson tandem at Golden State. But what happens when the Hornets can’t go small with Lin and Walker together? Considering Lin’s disappointing playing time, the two point guards look close statistically.
- Lin is 27. He played in 75 games last year, staring in just 30. Lin averaged 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He averaged only 25.8 minutes per game.
- Walker is 25. He averaged 17.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Walker played 34.2 minutes per game.
