Never figured out why he doesn't get a shot. He knows his role, his role (3pt/FT specialist) exists in the NBA, so...what gives? Too old by now?
As I read in a recent article somewhere, sometimes when he plays at the local rec center in Clayton, and people don't know who he is, he doesn't get picked for the pick-up games. He doesn't look like an NBA player, and apparently that goes a long ways. But man, can he play.
Sports News from USA Today Is next Jeremy Lin playing in D-League? by Jeff Zillgitt on Mar. 05, 2012, under USA Today Sports The search to find the next Jeremy Lin is on. Where will he turn up? In the NBA Development League? At the end of an NBA bench? In Europe? The topic is important. At the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference last weekend, a Stanford biomechanical engineering student presented research that could help teams “discover undervalued players.” The exploration has put the spotlight on the NBA’s D-League, a 16-team pro league featuring potential NBA players, many of whom think they can be the next Lin. “It’s really brought to the forefront what the D-League can do to help players develop their skills,” D-League vice president of basketball operations and player personnel Chris Alpert said of Lin’s run. “He’s been a perfect example. “He took full advantage of his time in the D-League to play real NBA game minutes under a highly competitive environment.” Lin, whose unexpected rise to starting point guard for the New York Knicks is a captivating story, played 20 games for the Reno Bighorns last season and one game for the Erie BayHawks this season. When the Knicks needed a point guard, they found Lin, who proved capable of running Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni’s pick-and-roll offense. The Stanford student, Muthu Alagappanm, and those with a similar mindset, want to remove as much serendipity from the process as possible and apply more data to find similar players. The D-League is a starting point, and more teams have taken advantage of the NBA’s minor league. NBA teams have called up 39 players from D-League teams this season; the record of 40 set in 2009-10. Nearly 22% of NBA players have D-League experience. “As long as we continue to cultivate and develop relationships with the NBA clubs and with their D-League affiliates, NBA teams realize how valuable this league is to player development,” Alpert said. At the D-League All-Star Game in Orlando Feb. 25, players recognized Lin’s impact. “He’s given us a whole lot more exposure,” Iowa Energy guard Moses Ehambe said. “Knowing that he made it, going through all that he went through, I know that I can do the same.” Lin is the shining star of what D-League experience can produce for the NBA. Other examples of D-League success stories are Cleveland Cavaliers forward Alonzo Gee, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Tolliver, Orlando Magic guard Von Wafer, Indiana Pacers forward Lou Amundson and Charlotte Bobcats forward Reggie Williams. Asked who might be a potential Lin given the opportunity, Rio Grande Vipers guard Lee Humphrey pointed to Reno guard Blake Ahearn. “In this game, there’s a lot of these guys,” Humphrey said. “He can play the point, he can shoot, he gets fouled and he’s a great free throw shooter.” Foote mentioned Springield Armor guard JamesOn Curry. Ehambe mentioned forward Gerald Green, who was playing with the Los Angeles D-Fenders before the New Jersey Nets signed him to a 10-day contract Feb. 27. Green, 26, was the No. 18 pick in the 2005 draft but a questionable attitude and poor preparation prevented him staying in the NBA. In three games, Green is averaging 7.7 points and 2.3 rebounds. Maine Red Claws forward Lawrence Hill mentioned Austin Toros forward Leo Lyons. “It’s weird playing against him, because this guy’s good enough to play in the NBA, and you know it,” Hill said. Lyons didn’t give an answer when asked. “I don’t want to single anyone out and pinpoint one guy because I think everybody has the ability,” he said. Lyons said the key is being ready when called up from the D-League to the NBA. “It is very difficult, I’m not going to lie, to stay positive and not get frustrated and impatient when you know you can play with those guys,” Lyons said. “I just try to stay positive and keep performing every night and show them you’re ready.” Copyright © 2010 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co.
