Former Houston Rockets Jeremy Lin Never Gets Respect

After signing a two-year, $4.4 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets in July, the former Houston Rockets guard had problems getting in their facility. According to Yahoo Sports, Jeremy Lin had a hard time convincing a security guard that he is a NBA player when he showed up to the team’s arena. After the encounter Lin had some fun on Twitter about his latest misunderstanding. Although Lin made humor on being denied in the Hornets’ arena, it is sad to see what his career has dwindled down to. Jeremy Lin went from Linsanity to, “Hey who are you?”

Now as he joins his third team in three seasons, some analyst wonder will Charlotte be Lin’s last stop in the NBA? However, Lin can still be a relevant player in this league, yet he has never gotten the respect he deserves. Especially with the Rockets.

When Jeremy Lin came to Houston three years ago, no one knew what to expect from him as the “cornerstone” for the rebuilding Rockets. Although after the trade for James Harden, it immediately reduced his role. However, Lin still was a solid player for the Rockets.

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In his first year in Houston, Lin averaged 13.4 points, and 6.1 assists while starting in all 82 games. Also helping the Rockets make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

His most memorable game that year came on December 10, when Lin tied his career high 38 points in a 134-126 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Even though he was not the same player that made him an overnight sensation in 2012 for the New York Knicks, every so often Lin showcased some of his Linsanity magic. However, heading into his second year, the Rockets felt that Patrick Beverley was a better option to start at point guard than Lin.

Not taking anything away from Beverley, he is one of the best defensive players in the league. However, going by the numbers Lin was a better all-around player, and should have continued as the starter. In two seasons with the Rockets Lin averaged 13.0 points, and 5.3 assists on 44 percent shooting. In contrast Beverley is averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 assists, and shooting 40 percent from the field. Lin had at least 30 games of 20 or more points to go along with at least eight assists. He not only shows his ability during the regular season, but also during the playoffs.

While the Rockets starting point guard averaged 8.7 points off 38 percent shooting in the heartbreaking loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014. Lin was solid off the bench as he averaged 11.3 points, and 4.5 assists.

If the Rockets had given Lin more time during the playoffs in 2014, the series might have gone in favor of the Rockets. Later that summer the Rockets traded Lin to the Los Angeles Lakers to clear cap space in their attempt to sign a marquee free agent.

Say what you want about Lin’s time in Houston, having him in the backcourt with Harden did help the Rockets by putting another playmaker on the court.

Last season may have been the worst of Lin’s career. In 74 games for the Lakers he averaged 11.2 points, and shot 41 percent from the field. His lowest since his rookie year.

Although he was the starting point guard to begin the season, head coach Byron Scott moved him to the bench after 19 games. Just like three years ago when the Rockets signed Lin, it is hard to predict what Lin will bring to the Hornets. However, this may be Lin’s last chance to get the respect he deserves as a NBA player.

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