Jeremy Lin News Update: Scout Says ‘Linsanity’ Will Thrive Playing Pick-and-Roll With Dwight Howard
Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin might have a bounce-back year next season, thanks mainly to the arrival of All-Star center Dwight Howard.
According to an NBA scout, Lin will have little trouble developing chemistry with Howard on the floor because of their ability to run pick-and-roll plays effectively.
Before his tenure with the Rockets, Lin rose to stardom in New York for running Mike D'Antoni's pick-and-roll heavy offense. On the other hand, Howard has had success playing in a pick-and-roll offense during his time with the Orlando Magic.
"He did have a ton of success when it was all pick-and-rolls and he seemed to be very effective [with the Knicks]," the NBA scout told ESPN. "In that way, I think teaming up with Howard should be in his wheelhouse. I think they could develop chemistry right away."
Aside from the scout's perspective, ESPN Stats & Information indicated Lin ranked fifth in points per play among the 35 point guards, who ran pick-and-roll plays at least 100 times during the 2011-2012 season.
Meanwhile, Howard is ranked as the best pick-and-roll finisher in the league, averaging 1.38 points per play as the roll man on pick-and-roll plays during that season.
Although the Houston offense is expected to run mainly on James Harden and Howard, pick-and-roll plays between Lin and Howard could give the Rockets a steady source of offense in bailout situations.
"If the shot clock is running down, you run a pick-and-roll with Lin and Howard, and it should be successful," the scout stated.
The scout added that Lin seemed to have found ways to play with Harden late last season - a thing that could help the Rockets speed up their chemistry next season.
"I wasn't a fan of Lin at all, but they started to get their groove. Jeremy started to figure out how to play with James a bit," the scout said. "I think they'll definitely be competitive in Houston. I'm not ready to crown them champs or even Western Conference champs, but it increases their chances," the scout told ESPN.
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