Jeremy Lin has the keys to the Brooklyn Nets ship for at least the next two seasons. The Nets agreed to terms with Lin over the summer on a three-year deal with a third-year player option and his signing brought a flurry of curiosity. Was this just a publicity stunt by the Nets to try and spark some of the old ‘Linsanity’ buzz during Jeremy’s days with the Knicks? Or, was this the big splash the Nets were going to make in free agency? Carmelo Anthony even pondered the fact that Lin is now one of the Nets franchise players.
But others wondered how Lin would do under new Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson. The two shared time together as members of the New York Knicks before both left for other endeavors. Both are open about their relationship being very good but it might have been one of the biggest catalysts in Jeremy’s free agency decision. A decision that might not have been very clear at first and made Lin pray for a return to the same organization that once didn’t even offer him a contract a few years ago.
The Brooklyn Nets were the team that stepped up, made an effort to bring him in and so far, they’ve shown they love Lin and all the players who want to take a chance with the rebuilding franchise.
Following from Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.
“I was open to it,” Lin said of a reunion with New York. He even prayed about returning to the Big Apple. “But the Knicks haven’t really shown an interest the last few years, and that’s fine. There are no hard feelings, but I personally would’ve been open to it.”
…under new GM Sean Marks — identified point guard as their top need and Lin as their top target.
During the Nets’ meeting with Lin, which included Marks, Atkinson, other front-office people and franchise center Brook Lopez, the Nets made a compelling pitch featuring their ever-evolving system and culture.
“We were showing the positives of playing out here,” Lopez said. “Obviously, he knows that firsthand from playing with the Knicks, but just how we can benefit from him and how he can benefit from us — that sort of symbiotic relationship. We just kept harping on the differences in our organization and the franchise as a whole from the top down.”
Marks and Atkinson did most of the talking, Lopez said, but the Nets left unsure of where they stood, according to sources.
Lin was highly intrigued about the possibility of teaming up with Pelicans star Anthony Davis and playing for Alvin Gentry in New Orleans’ D’Antoni-inspired offense, sources said. But the Pelicans weren’t willing pay what the Nets were, paving the way for Lin’s return to New York.
Brooklyn also made sure Lin knew he was their top priority, and they treated him that way, sources said. Lopez said Lin texted the center before making the move public.
“It’s so huge for me, just having a guy who’s such a downhill driver,” said Lopez, the other half of Brook-Lin’s pick-and-roll tandem . “He draws so much attention that it makes it easier for everyone else on the floor since he’s such a willing passer.”
Lin has previously shut down any possibility of a ‘Linsanity’ return while on the Nets. It’s a different situation right now with Brooklyn, one that could set the foundation for future Nets success. They just have to go through a difficult time first and Lin will be the man who is driving this team.
