New York Knicks fans and Houston Rockets fans are both waiting anxiously to find out what will become of superstar point guard Jeremy Lin. It is believed that the Knicks have until Tuesday to match an offer from the Rockets for Lin's services, or else let the restricted free agent walk. As of Sunday, it is looking less and less likely that Linsanity will return to the Big Apple.
J.R. Smith ‘Without A Doubt’ Thinks Jeremy Lin Contract Could Be Locker Room Issue
Bill Hanstock is a writer, author and Emmy Award-winning producer. He began writing for SB Nation in 2011.
One of the factors the Knicks will have to weigh on whether to match the huge offer from the Rockets is how a big contact for Lin might negatively affect the New York locker room. Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated was able to get these comments from shooting guard J.R. Smith:
“I’m sure the city would love to have him back, but the team decided to go in a different direction,” Smith said. “It’s nothing personal, I don’t think, just business. We just hope everybody can benefit from here.
“I don’t really know how Mr. Dolan feels at this point with what the luxury tax is now and what it used to be, but I just hope it works out the best for both of them.”
Asked if Lin’s contract could cause a challenging dynamic with his teammates, Smith agreed.
“Without a doubt,” he said. “I think some guys take it personal, because they’ve been doing it longer and haven’t received any reward for it yet. I think it’s a tough subject to touch on for a lot of guys.”
This story will likely not resolve for a few more days while the Knicks mull over how badly they feel they need Lin to return.
For more on the Knicks, visit Posting and Toasting and SB Nation New York. And for more on the Rockets, visit The Dream Shake and SB Nation Houston.
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