It's time for a decision.
And no, this isn't about an arrogant foward for the Miami Heat with a mouth piece that reads "XVI." This is about the author of Linsanity, Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin.
The Knicks were able to avoid being swept at home yesterday in a win against Miami in Game 4 of the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs. But the win was not without another casualty. After dislocating his knee, Baron Davis will join Iman Shumpert on the disabled list. In fact, the only legitimate healthy point guard on the Knicks roster now is veteran Mike Bibby.
What of Jeremy Lin? Lin has not played a game since March 21st, and underwent surgery on his knee soon after. However he was not ruled out of playing in this series, and has been practicing with the team. Lin has still complained of soreness, and is without a doubt not healthy or fully ready to play basketball.
But now there are certainly some different circumstances. Bibby has played well for the Knicks, but if Lin didn't play there would be a likelihood of Landry Fields or J.R. Smith taking time at point. Melo would probably do more ball handling as well. All of which, are quite nerve wracking against a formidable Miami Heat defense that craves steals.
It can't be forgotten that Jeremy Lin is going to be a free agent. Lin has a new positive reputation in the NBA, and most likely going into a free agent offseason he would not want to jeopardize it. If Lin were to play when he's not ready, in a playoff game no less, there is a chance his free agency value could decline. This is without a doubt a tough decision.
The Knicks naturally are pushing Lin to play. No one will really know if he's ready or not until the game unfolds. Hypothetically though, what would happen if Lin decided to take the court when it is clear that he's playing through a lot of pain?
Basketball is a team sport, and players need to be motivated for their teammates. That's why the Knicks were able to claw out a win against the Heat yesterday. Seeing Baron get carted off the court with his kneecap completely obliterated simply HAS to put fire in the gut for the Knicks to win it for Baron. Not to mention Amar'e Stoudemire who was listed as doubtful and still played. Amar'e wrapped up his hand to play when just days ago his cut was so severe his bone was visible. Not only that, Amar'e played well.
Alas Knicks fans, need there not to be a mentioning of Willis Reed? Willis could barely walk before a legendary Knicks game 7 victory over the Lakers in the NBA finals in 1970. But he decided to give it a go. The leader, the captain, slowly but surely limped his way out of the Madison Square Garden tunnel to a crowd that was in a frenzy. The rest is history. There was absolutely no team of any sort that could have beat the Knicks that night.
No, this is not Game 7 of the finals, or about Willis Reed, or the 1970s. Things are obviously much different now compared to then. But Willis had to make a decision then, and Lin has to make one now. And the question is simple: Are you going to fight through the pain for your teammates?
Jeremy Lin is not just an athlete but a global phenom. He really has nothing to prove. But if Lin suits up and does whatever he can for his teammates with a bum knee before going into a free agent offseason, Knicks fans will be in for one hell of a basketball game.
Just imagine, Jeremy Lin and the Knicks force a game 6 against the Miami Heat at the Mecca of basketball, the worlds most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. It's enough to give anybody goosebumps.
No matter what Lin decides the Knicks have to get ready to try and do something no one's ever done before:Come back from a 3-0 deficit.
Don't give up Knicks fans. Just believe.
Because Linpossible is nothing. Go Knicks.
