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Jeremy Lin’s long-term health more important than playing this season

ByAndrew Hughes|
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Indiana Pacersm on October 18, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Indiana Pacersm on October 18, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

It is not known whether or not Jeremy Lin will be on the Brooklyn Nets next season. He has a player option for 2018-19, the third year of his deal signed in the summer of 2016. If the Nets aren’t in the playoff mix, he shouldn’t risk his health.

It is a long-shot we see Jeremy Lin playing in a Brooklyn Nets uniform this season. Despite that, Lin has been optimistic regarding his recovery.

NetsDaily quoted Lin from an interview he did with Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. The floor general said that he can bend his right knee. That of course was the knee he suffered a likely season-ending injury. The injury occurred in just the second game of the season against the Orlando Magic in the team’s home opener.

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He didn’t exactly give a timetable for his return. In fact, he doesn’t even feel comfortable returning to the bench any time soon. Lin fears that a player may fall on his knee and reinjure it. His knee is still in a brace.

That sounds promising for an eventual comeback. The prospects of an imminent comeback don’t sound good at all.

Lin should sit this season out. There is very little incentive for him to return to the team at the expense of his long-term health.

Besides, his contract is guaranteed for next season anyway. It would be one thing if Lin wanted to impress the league if he needed to earn a deal for next year. That is not the case, however.

With security for his deal, Lin may as well sit back and allow the young Nets the opportunities. Guys like Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson would benefit from the chance to improve their game with little pressure for team success. That is how a rebuild is done in earnest.

Next year, Lin can return to the team and regain his starting spot. This year, it is best for the young core to grow.