Jeremy Lin: A very early 2012-'13 Progress Report

Of course I realize, it's only the preseason. Jeremy Lin and his Rockets teammates are still working through the process of learning each others games and finding a rhythm on offense; that process will take time. While keeping that in mind, we still can't ignore the early results and those results have not been very good. Through three preseason games Lin has averaged just over five points per game and has shot 4-19 from the field (21.1 %) including 0-5 from behind the arc. By the numbers he's been awful shooting the ball, but a bit better passing the ball. Through three games Lin has a 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio with 14 assists (4.7 per game) and seven turnovers.

Stats don't tell the whole story, but in this case I believe they're important because they expose flaws that have been a concern from the very beginning with Lin. His two biggest issues with the Knicks last season were shooting and ball security; issues that got exposed after a good first month and were among the reasons why I didn't want the Rockets to sign him during the off-season. I'll remind you that from February to March, Lin's shooting percentage dropped off by 7%, his points per game dropped off by six points, and his assists per game dropped off by two. All that with superstars like Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire around him to pass the ball to for easy assists and draw the attention of defenders to give Lin open looks. Now with a lesser supporting cast with four rookies expected to get major minutes, his job will be much tougher this season. Obviously I don't think his numbers will continue to be this bad during the regular season, but I'm not encouraged by the early results.