Despite his strong play during the stretch, Jeremy Lin has been unable to stop the injury-racked Hornets from a deep slide after a promising start. The Hornets have lost 8 of their last 10 and now sit at 17-20. Trade talk surrounding Lin is again being whispered, with the Chicago Bulls often mentioned. The talk is part of the great quandary that follows Lin everywhere: there is a persistent feeling among Lin watchers that if he just finds the right place, his talents will flourish. Lin knows how to score, to penetrate, has a high basketball IQ and good court vision. But he’s not been able to carry a team like a franchise player does. The question is: is it because of the teams he’s been on, or because of Lin’s limitations? The answer remains elusive.
[Jeremy Lin Quiz — Think You Know Jeremy Lin? 13 Questions]
After nearly half a season in Charlotte Lin fans are looking at some very familiar numbers. What Lin and Lin fans had been hoping for was more minutes. But 35 games into the season Lin is averaging 26.4 mpg for Charlotte, about equal to his Lakers average of 25.8. His field goal percentage is identical — .425 this year, .424 in LA. His 3-point and free throw percentages are both down from his Lakers’ season averages. He averaged 4.6 assists per game in LA, and has dished just 3.1 per in Charlotte. Yet still Lin can dominate a game offensively, as he did recently in a loss to the Clippers. Question is: is there a place Jeremy Lin can go to be the Jeremy Lin he and everyone else wants him to be?