Jeremy Lin rumors: Not even Mike D’Antoni link may lure him back to Houston

Jeremy Lin of the Charlotte Hornets could be playing for a new team season no matter what most say that he won’t. After years of struggling with the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, money and a starting job could be interesting options for the American-Asian baller.

Jeremy Lin [photo credits: Scott Beale / Laughing Squid via Flickr]
Jeremy Lin [photo credits: Scott Beale / Laughing Squid via Flickr]
With the Hornets, Lin took on a backup role but nevertheless flourished under Steve Clifford’s system. So if Lin had finally found a place where he could make a difference, why would the former Harvard standout even contemplate on leaving in free agency?

Money is obviously one reason, the same many other NBA cagers will be doing in the Summer. But Lin’s case is a bit different. For the first time in a long while, he has found his basketball legs and it would be safe to say that this contributed in the fortunes of the Hornets who made it to the postseason wars.

How about a return bout with former coach Mike D’Antoni in Houston Rockets? Would that change his mind? The prospects of seeing Lin returning to Houston even to that degree don’t seem promising.

D’Antoni is being considered as the Rockets next head coach, a void previously held by Kevin McHale before being fired early last season. J.B. Bickerstaff filled in an interim basis but such didn’t change the Rockets’ fortunes.

Lin is someone who could help the Rockets but bad memories may prevent that from happening. If he does end there, Lin will once again be playing support to resident star James Harden.

Lin could end up starting at point guard in Houston if D’Antoni does end up being named as the next head coach. But the reality of it all is that Lin may be placing a big risk, giving up something good which he has obviously established in Charlotte.

Money and playing time are what is on the table but for Lin, it may be more than that. He admits enjoying his stint with Charlotte so why leave if the team wants you to stay?

The Hornets will likely pitch a salary to Lin though it may not be eye-popping. With the success he had last season, Lin could be better off staying in Charlotte and build on his stock some more before seeking a lucrative contract.