Linsanity likely heading to Toronto
TORONTO — Ex-Nets guard Jeremy Lin — shipped to the Hawks in a series of moves that landed the Nets a host of picks — was finalizing a buyout deal in Atlanta.
The oft-injured guard is set to sign with the Raptors, according to ESPN. And while those injuries — hamstrings in 2016-17 and a ruptured patella tendon suffered on opening night last season — ruined Lin’s Nets tenure, coach Kenny Atkinson was happy to see his longtime friend land on a contender.
“Good for him,” Atkinson said. “Obviously [facing him] is not great for the Nets, but it’s good for Jeremy and good for the NBA, good for Toronto.
“I’ll never forget that Knicks game [Feb. 14, 2012 against the Raptors during “Linsanity”] when he hit that buzzer-beater and the place just [crazy]. Rarely do you see an NBA arena go crazy like that. It was amazing. He has some history here, and I think the fans will enjoy watching him play.”
Nets fans rarely got to enjoy watching Lin play. He played just 37-of-164 possible games for the Nets after arriving on a three-year, $36 million deal in 2016.
This past summer the Nets shipped Lin’s $12 million salary, a 2025 second-round pick and the right to swap second-rounders in 2023 to Atlanta, getting back a 2020 second-rounder (via Portland) and the rights to Isaia Cordinier.
More importantly, the Nets got cap space to take on Kenneth Faried, Darrell Arthur and firstand second-round picks, flipping Arthur for Jared Dudley and a 2021 second-rounder.
Now, with Toronto guard Fred VanVleet out for three weeks with a thumb injury, Lin, averaging 10.7 points per game, can provide the Raptors much-needed backcourt help.
➤ DeMarre Carroll (left knee soreness) didn’t play against the Raptors. Dudley worked out Monday and is getting close to full practice.
➤ Joe Harris went a career-high 7-of-8 from 3-point range. His 22 points before intermission were also a career-best for any half.
➤ Allen Crabbe followed up his 5-of-9 shooting from deep Friday against the Bulls by going 6-of-10. He’s the first player in Nets history to hit five or more 3s off the bench in consecutive games.