Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lin brings much needed experience, depth
The Toronto Raptors are expected to sign Lin once he finalizes a buyout with the Atlanta Hawks according to a new report.
It appears as if Linsanity is making its way north of the border as the Toronto Raptors are expected to land Jeremy Lin once he hits the open market.
ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the veteran point guard is finalizing a buyout with the Atlanta Hawks and will sign with Toronto following his release, according to his agents Jim Tanner and Roger Montgomery.
Appearing in 51 games for Atlanta this season, the 30-year-old is averaging 10.7 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per contest, shooting 33.3 percent from three-point range while playing 19.7 minutes a game. Over his career, the California native is averaging 11.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.
This would be a good addition for the Raptors as Lin can come off the bench and provide some much-needed depth behind Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, who have both missed time with injuries. The team announced that Van Vleet is currently dealing with soreness in his left thumb.
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Lowry has been dealing with a back injury, so giving him time off down the stretch would keep him from being overworked heading into the playoffs. Also, Lin brings playmaking ability and should be able to fit into Nick Nurse’s offence.
It will be interesting to see how much of a role Lin will have in the rotation, but considering the difference lineups Nurse likes to throw out, expect the 30-year-old to get some playing time down the stretch and in the playoffs.
#Raptors reportedly close to acquiring Jeremy Lin.
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) February 11, 2019
He's averaged 14.4 points while shooting 45.2% from 3-point range in 9 career games played in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/ekpReFhpz0
On top of that, the Raptors get a marketable player as Linsanity is a big draw, as he proved with the New York Knicks. Fans might also remember back in 2012, when Lin hit a game-winner against Toronto.
Now he gets a chance to do that for the Raptors.
Marc Gasol era off to a decent start. dark. Next
What do you think about bringing in Lin? Can he be a valuable player for the Raptors down the stretch? Let us know in the comments below.