Point guard Jeremy Lin recently decided to sign with the Charlotte Hornets. He made the decision to take his talents to Charlotte in the hope of finding stability in his NBA career.
According to Steve Reed of the Associated Press, the 26-year-old Harvard graduate stated that he had no regrets about leaving the New York Knicks after the 2012 "Linsanity" season. While he has played for the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, he indicated that he decided to go with the Hornets after holding an in-depth conversation with coach Steve Clifford.
"Just having that open line of communication early and being proactive about it was very big for me," Lin said.
The Associated Press reported that 6-foot-3 Lin signed a two-year, $4.37 million contract last week with the Hornets. He believed that Clifford would give him an opportunity akin to what happened in the 2011-2012 season with the New York Knicks, where he averaged 14.4 points per game.
"I want to get back to what makes me what I am as a player, which is being aggressive, being on the attack and always charging toward the rim," Lin said. "I think that will help create easier shots for this team."
Clifford explained how placing Lin in the Hornets lineup would help fill a need within his team. According to the Associated Press, the Hornets were last in the NBA in 3-point shooting in the 2014-15 season; this led to the team making three pre-draft trades.
"One, Jeremy has the ability to make the 3, but two, he is a playmaker and has the ability to create offense for himself and his teammates," Clifford said.
Lin expressed excitement to the Associated Press over the idea of playing for the Hornets and living in Charlotte. He noted that it was one of his favorite NBA cities and had similarities to his California hometown of Palo Alto.
"Lin said the 'Linsanity' era 'feels like a decade ago' and he's a much improved player now," Reed wrote. "He remembers hearing plenty of criticism for his lack of defense, tendency for turnovers, poor shooting and inability to drive left."
However, Lin insisted that he has made improvements in those areas.
"I do believe I am a more refined player, a more all-around player," Lin said. "I do think the work I have put in has made me better. I just don't think I have had the same fit or opportunity."
Clifford stated that Lin would work as the second-team point guard behind Kemba Walker.
"He's hungry to continue to improve," Clifford said of Lin. "As you know that is not always the case in any pro league. So I'm confident he will continue to get better."
Lin indicated that he would give his all in the upcoming NBA season.
"I don't know what my limit is or how could I can be, but my goal is to find out," Lin said.
Lin added that the Hornets "want to make the playoffs," commenting that they "don't just want to sneak in at the eighth spot."
