Jeremy Lin and the Brooklyn Nets were upbeat about their campaign despite critics hardly giving them a fighting chance. With an uncanny tandem featuring “Linsanity” and new recruit, D’Angelo Russell, Nets coach Kenny Atkinson had a backcourt duo filled with energy and promise. That was until Lin went down hard with a suspect knee injury.
Yahoo Sports narrates how Lin’s 2017-18 NBA season started on the wrong foot with the American-Asian getting injured in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers. Lin was attempting a layup but was converged upon by Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young.
Pretty shaken up, Lin appeared to tell his teammates that he was done. The only question now is whether the 29-year-old was referring to the game or for the season?
Things not looking too good for Lin
Lin limped out of the court and reports have it that his knee will be evaluated, ESPN reported. Russell tried to carry the fight for the Nets with 30 points. The effort was not enough as Brooklyn lost 140-131 to Indiana.
Right now, the Nets are more concerned about the status of Lin. He is unlikely to be available against the Orlando Magic and probably the next couple of games. A lot depends on the results of the medical evaluation for his knee.
With Lin out, Russell will need to step up in Lin’s absence.
Trevor Booker did come off the bench to try and help Russell, but Atkinson will need more players involved to cover for the injured guard.
Painful sight to see
The expression on Lin’s face after the fall says it all. Everything seemed to be going well with Lin hoping to lead the Nets and accomplish something. If diagnosed with a major injury, J-Lin may have to render support to his teammates via other means.
Lin is coming off an injury-plagued 2016-17 NBA season where he only played 36 games. A hamstring injury forced the 29-year-old out of action and most had hoped the long break would help him heal from injuries better.
Another major injury would be a big blow to Lin who is trying to get his NBA career back on track. After a breakout year with the New York Knicks back in 2012, Lin became a journeyman.
He had stops with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, all of which failed to pan out.
Reuniting with Atkinson was seen as a positive development for Lin. He is in the second year of a three-year deal worth $38 million. He has a player option for the 2018-19 season before becoming a free agent, something he is likely to pick up. But if he continues to be kept out of injuries, the Nets could end up buying him out and get someone who is more durable.
