As the Jeremy Lin craze continues to build, let’s not underestimate the powers of Mike D’Antoni’s system, in which point guards exceed all fathomable expectations.
In Phoenix, D’Antoni turned Steve Nash into a two-time MVP. In D’Antoni’s first season coaching the Knicks, Chris Duhon averaged as many assists a game (7.2) as LeBron James. And before being traded to the Nuggets last year, Raymond Felton was playing at an All-Star level, averaging a career-high 17.1 points and 9.0 assists with New York.
So maybe D’Antoni’s system deserves some credit for turning an undrafted 23-year-old from Harvard into the biggest storyline of the 2011-12 NBA season.
But is Lin more like Nash (a perennial All-Star), Duhon (an NBA backup) or Felton (a solid NBA starter)?
Out of his system predecessors, Lin’s recent play most resembles the former MVP. Maybe that’s why his popularity keeps growing.
Lin lacks athleticism but is crafty in his use of angles to get to the basket. When the lane is clogged, Lin’s ability to keep up his dribble opens passing lanes. He’s an efficient scorer with smart shot selection. He forces plays at times, leading to an increased amount of turnovers. And while his offensive abilities are praised, he can be a liability on the defensive end.
These traits all apply to Nash as well.
If Lin is going to emulate a former point guard in D’Antoni’s system, why not follow in the footsteps of the most successful one?
– Jeffrey Tomik
