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Jeremy Lin Poised for Stellar 2016-17 Season in Brooklyn

By Tyler Dencker

Dec 12, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) looks to drives past Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) looks to drives past Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the most popular choice as a possible breakout candidate for the Brooklyn Nets, Jeremy Lin joined the team after he signed a 3-year, $36 million contract earlier in July.

The Brooklyn Nets signed Lin in hopes that he can revive their roster, as he once did for the New York Knicks. Now, Lin is playing just six miles south of where he first burst onto the NBA scene, and he is ready to repeat history.

This past season, Lin took a step in the right direction with the Hornets, following lackluster stints with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers after the “Linsanity” era.

In his one season with the Hornets, Lin finished seventh in the Sixth Man of the Year voting after posting 11.7 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game coming off the bench.

The Hornets bench, anchored by Lin, was ninth best in the NBA in terms of difference efficiency.

Lin has also proven that he is learning from experience in the league, as he has steadily decreased his turnovers per game for four straight seasons. Further, he’s averaged at least 11 points per game in five of his six seasons, the one outlier being his rookie year (in Golden State), where he averaged nine minutes per game in 29 appearances.

Beyond the numbers, it wasn’t hard to see that Lin provided a spark for the Hornets, as he was a key contributor in many wins throughout the season. Lin was widely considered one of the better backup point guards in the league, as a result of his play this year. Hence, he was one of the most sought-after point guards in free agency this summer.

While statistics help prove why Lin could have a large impact on the Nets, there is more to the story. In addition to the statistics, the opportunity to play for the Nets is an intriguing thought in itself.

With the Nets, Lin will be reuniting with Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was an assistant for the New York Knicks during Lin’s time there. Clearly, Atkinson had a lasting effect on Lin, as Lin spoke highly of him this summer even before he signed with Brooklyn.

Additionally, Lin is closing in on his peak as a player, both physically and mentally. As he approaches the age of 28, Lin is entering his true athletic prime. Combine that with his experience and mental strength as a seventh-year player, and Lin has a high ceiling of potential.

In Brooklyn, Lin will surely have the opportunity to energize the team as the Nets starting point guard. He will be surrounded by a roster that includes young, up-and-coming players in Bojan Bogdanović and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and a proven veteran in Brook Lopez. Lin will provide immediate help to the Nets point guard game, which was ranked 23rd in the NBA last season in terms of efficiency.

Next: Nets: Jeremy Lin Ranked Top Point Guard via HoopsHype

We’ve all seen what Jeremy Lin can do at his best, and it is exciting to wonder if he can bring a similar game to the Nets. However, while you shouldn’t expect Lin to break out like he did during “Linsanity,” don’t be surprised if he significantly improves the Nets and gets his name back in the day-to-day NBA conversation.