While some people were shocked Jeremy Lin was demoted to the bench to start the 2013 season, the point guard himself had known for a while the move would be made. Several players announced on Tuesday that second-year point guard Patrick Beverley would be the starter come the team's season opener on Tuesday. Lin will be coming off the bench after being a starter for most of the 212 season.
Lin and Beverley were competing for the entire preseason to earn the starting job. Lin started three games while Beverley started four games. Lin notes he was not shocked by the move and is committed to becoming a better player.
"I have known for awhile so it is not really a surprise for me," Lin said, via Pro Sports Daily. "I think for me, I am just focused on basketball. You know I, I need to control what I do when I am out there like I said. I feel like I am beating a dead horse with some of the things I'm saying. Controlling what I can control and playing my brand of basketball when I'm out there and doing what's best for us, for the team and running the second unit to the best of my ability."
Lin faced trade rumors for much of the offseason. After the Rockets signed Dwight Howard, it was thought that Lin could be out in return for extra salary cap space to sign one more super star. The did not occur, but the Rockets have yet to appear fully committed to Lin since acquiring him from the New York Knicks.
Beverley did not exactly come out of nowhere for the Rockets. He broke out during the first-round playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder where he averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 assists as a starter in all five games. Lin was out with a chest injury. He continued that success during the preseason, putting up 9.1 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the 3-point line. That scoring paired with his aggressive play on defense made him a strong option as a starter.
One person thrilled at the idea of having two point guards with starting abilities is Howard. He is not concerned about who the starting point guard will be, just that they contribute on the court.
"It's a good problem to have two guys that are capable of coming in and making plays and starting," Howard said. "I think they just shouldn't worry about who starts. They should keep focused on what they can do in the game because that is what will help us win. We are lucky to have them both."
Lin is hopeful to become more aggressive as the season goes on. The move might not be permanent if Lin can show improvement. The point guard is happy with his current role on the team and ready to be productive when he steps on the court.
