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Where Does Jeremy Lin Fit In With The Nets Next Year?

By Michael Mastropierro

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) /
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According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Jeremy Lin has opted in to his $12.5 million player option for next season.

This shouldn’t come as a major shock to anyone considering Jeremy Lin has missed the entire season. The Harvard product ruptured his patella tendon in Brooklyn’s season opener at Indiana. Also, the market doesn’t look as promising as it did. After all, Lou Williams resigned with the Clippers for a low $8 million per season over the next three years.

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But now he’s returning next year, where does he fit in the rotation?

Prior to his injury, he was starting alongside D’Angelo Russell. But with the emergence of Spencer Dinwiddie, arrival of Allen Crabbe and continued development of Caris LeVert, there’s not much room in Brooklyn’s backcourt.

As it stands currently, Dinwiddie is starting at point guard with Crabbe at shooting guard. Russell and LeVert are coming off the bench. But next season, Russell will most likely return to the starting lineup, as the franchise views him as the cornerstone. He will likely play alongside either Dinwiddie or Crabbe. LeVert will come off the bench with either Dinwiddie or Crabbe, whoever is not starting.

This leaves Lin eating up reserve minutes, or waiting for foul trouble or injury. He can also see minutes if the Nets choose to go small as they often do.

While Lin is an experienced veteran, Brooklyn should value the development of Russell, Dinwiddie, LeVert and Crabbe over the extra wins that Lin might provide them. The progress of these players, along with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Jarrett Allen, Jahlil Okafor, and Joe Harris is Brooklyn’s top priority.

At the start of next season, Lin will be 30 years old and will not figure into the Nets’ long term plans. He should be more of a mentor to the younger players and only get limited minutes.