BOSTON – Jeremy Lin has been a basketball journeyman, a Jacuzzi-hot star on the rise, a backup and a starter.
All those experiences have done more than just shape his approach to the game.
It has also served as the building blocks for him to become one of the leaders on a Brooklyn Nets team that’s lacking experience at several positions.
“For me it’s an exciting start,” said Lin, who starred at Harvard prior to Linsanity taking hold of the NBA. “I feel my career has taken so many twists and turns. For me to be here and in the position of leadership and responsibility … it’s a challenge that I enjoy; trying to make baby steps and me being a little older, I enjoy it more.”
One of the challenges that Lin experienced first-hand and to a large degree, most young players, was becoming a creature of habit with consistent play.
“Being able to sustain effort and concentration is something that’s difficult for younger players,” he said. “It’s hard enough as a vet; your body, the pressure. But as a young player it’s hard to always stay focused, stay really motivated when things aren’t going your way.”
Indeed, Lin has been on both sides of the momentum spectrum.
Being on the cusp of being waived multiple times early in his career, only to have a series of breakout games with the New York Knicks that the 28-year-old has been able to parlay into a solid NBA career.
He will surely dole out plenty of advice to his young teammates throughout the season.
But just as important as it is to help guide them, it’s also vital for the Nets to develop an identity regardless of wins and losses.
When asked about what he would want others to say about the Nets when the season is over, the 6-foot-3 guard was succinct in his response.
“In a perfect world, they would say we play hard; that’s number one,” Lin said. “They (Nets) play unselfish. That to me would be the ultimate compliment.”