How Jeremy Lin Has Impacted The Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have finally clung to the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference after beating the Indiana Pacers 117-95. A lot of people have been talking about Kemba Walker and how he has helped the team more then anyone, but Jeremy Lin in my opinion is the Hornets key player. He has helped them late in games and has made some key plays.

Lin has had some games where he has filled in for Kemba Walker. It seems like in each one of those games, he has played well. One recent start for him was when the Hornets played the Cavaliers. The Hornets won that game by a score of 106-97. Lin had 24 points and 8 assists. He had some crucial buckets late in the game that led the Hornets to a win. As a starter, Jeremy Lin averages 17.8 points per game and 4.7 assists. If I were Steve Clifford [ Hornets head coach ], I would start Lin over Walker. If he gives you wins, start him, it's simple.

Playoff Picture

If the playoffs started today, the Hornets would be playing the Cavaliers. There are two ways this series could go.

1. Kemba Walker gets the start over Jeremy Lin and the Cavaliers cruise to a victory. When Walker is on the floor, the ball tends to not move around a lot and it is a one man show. That strategy is not going to work against the Cavaliers defense. Against a team like them, it is going to take more than one person to win that series.

2. Jeremy Lin gets the start and the Hornets win the series. Offensively, Lin is a better ball distributer than Walker, and gets other people involved. When he is in, the ball moves around a lot more. Defensively might be a struggle for Lin guarding Kyrie Irving, but Lin is a solid defender, and I have a feeling he will limit Irving. If he does that, the next guy to move on to is Lebron James, and if Michael Kidd-Gilchrist comes back, he will be the one defending James. After those two people, Cleveland does not have a bunch of other scoring options.

The Hornets season depends on what happens to one player. That player is Jeremy Lin. It also depends on Steve Clifford and the decision he makes. And Kemba Walker and what happens to him in the future. But remember that the playoffs don't start until April. Until then, we will see what happens.