Jeremy Lin cast some uncertainty into his future with the New York Knicks, one day after his team was eliminated from the NBA Playoffs by the Miami Heat.
On his future with the team, Lin had this to say to the NY Daily News on Thursday:
"Nothing is set in stone. That's what I've learned. We talked about (my free agency). I love the Knicks and the organization. But at the same time, it's a business. Me, personally, I think it would be great if I come back. But crazy things happen and I don't really know what's going to happen."
Lin's comments came hours after coach Mike Woodson said Lin would definitely be back.
"Will he be back next year? Absolutely. He's a big part of our ballclub," Woodson said.
However, Woodson also questioned whether or not Lin would start for the team following his knee injury that put him out for the last several weeks of the season and the playoffs.
"Jeremy's a big part of our team. Will he start? Only time will tell," Woodson said.
The Knicks have been looking at veteran point guards including Steve Nash and Jason Kidd to stabilize their offense built around Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire.
Lin is a rising star that led a winning streak for the team that propelled the Knicks into playoff contention.
However, during that period, Lin played under the free-wheeling style of former coach Mike D'Antoni that allowed Lin to maximize his potential using the pick-and-roll.
Woodson centered his offense around Carmelo Anthony, setting up for isolation plays, that may not fit with Lin's playing style.
All these factors could lead to Lin trying to find a bigger contract for a different team.
Since Lin is a restricted agent, the Knicks can match any offer and retain the player.
But since the Knicks are running into salary cap concerns, the team may choose instead to go after a cheaper veteran point guard, instead of an expensive Lin.
Still, Lin is perhaps the most marketable player in the NBA currently, and in the world's largest media market, the Knicks would be hard-pressed to let Lin leave.
Lin's comments are probably a negotiation tactic and the most likely scenario is that Lin will back in a New York Knicks uniform next year.
