Jeremy Lin: Worth the money?

There’s speculation all around New York concerning Jeremy Lin. Lin signed a three-year, $25 million offer sheet with the Rockets and as an unrestricted free agent, the Knicks have the right to match the offer within three days.

But after acquiring Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton, there’s various reports stating the Knicks will let Lin walk. Keep in mind, Lin had Madison Square Garden rocking last year and made the Knicks a lot of money, due to his unique background.

Knicks star Carmelo Anthony called the contract “ridiculous”, due to Lin’s quick rise to stardom.
$25 million for 25 starts? Yes, it does sound a little ridiculous and to be fair, Felton was sensational in Mike D’Antoni’s system a couple years ago before being included in the trade to acquire Anthony.

Felton averaged 17.1 points, 9.0 assists and 1.8 steals for the Knicks in 54 games in 2010-11. It’s reasonable to think he can duplicate that kind of performance this time around.

But D’Antoni isn’t around anymore and the Knick offense is dominated by Anthony, along with the fact Felton, physically, didn’t look to be in great shape last season with Portland.

Now back to Lin. With the way the Rockets structured his contract, he’ll make nearly $15 million in the third year of the deal, which is giving the Knicks pause. But considering the way the Knicks promoted Lin last year, when he was making the league minimum, along with the Knicks’ history of fiscal irresponsibility, you have to wonder if they’re turning over a new leaf in terms of handling player contracts or if this is a basketball decision.

Banking on Lin to duplicate his 10-game magical performance or Felton to capture his form from 2010-11 is what the Knicks are faced with.

Looks like they chose Felton. If nothing else, it’s interesting the Knicks’ apparent change of heart.