Jeremy Lin’s current NBA identity is that of a microwave scorer off the bench who can toggle between point guard and shooting guard. This year, he may have to handle a much bigger load for the Hornets. With projected starting small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist already out for the season, Lin is in line to slot in as Charlotte’s two-guard.
Through five preseason games, the Hornets have to be heartened by what they’ve seen. Lin has scored in double-figures in each of his five games, and shot 56.8 percent from the field. Lin has also been superb from beyond the arc, sinking 3-pointers at a 53.8 percent clip.
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So far Lin has limited his turnovers as well, which has been a big problem for him in the past. He averages 2.2 turnovers a night, but in the preseason, that is down to 1.6. These rate hikes should be taken with a grain of salt – it is only the preseason – but they could signal that Lin is thriving without the burden of playmaking for his teammates. Lin is typically classified as a point guard, but he’s always been more adept at scoring.
Now, he’ll be paired with Kemba Walker, another scoring point guard. Together they can keep defenses on their heels, since both can score and pass, but neither has proven they can consistently generate the best looks for their teammates. By playing hot potato with that responsibility, Charlotte’s backcourt is more unpredictable, and Lin becomes more efficient.
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Lin is currently the 38th point guard off the board in fantasy drafts according to FantasyPros.com, and being taken on average with the 161st pick. If he can beat out Jeremy Lamb for the role, and continue to protect the basketball, Lin will easily outperform that draft slot.
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