Jeremy Lin News: Lin Ranked Among Best Slashers in the NBA

Jeremy Lin has shown his value for the Houston Rockets by providing the ballclub much-needed scoring punch off the bench this season. However, the Harvard standout has already carved out a reputation as one of the best finishers in the game.

Lin, who is expected to miss at least two weeks with a knee sprain, is averaging 15.3 points, 4.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game before suffering the injury.

There's no doubt Lin has improved his stroke from beyond the arc after working on his shooting mechanics last summer, but the Rockets point guard has also become a more aggressive penetrator this season.

One of the Best Penetrators

In the latest statistical report released by SportVu Player Tracking data, Lin was ranked No.7 among the best finishers in the NBA on drives this season, Lin averaging at least six points per game just behind No.6-ranked Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson (6.1 ppg), Charlotte Bobcats' Ramon Sessions (6.5 ppg), San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker (6.6), Phoenix Suns' Eric Bledsoe (7.1), Philadelphia 76ers' Evan Turner (7.3) and No.1-ranked Dallas Mavericks' Monta Ellis (7.9).

Lin converted at least 65 percent of his drives better than Parker (64.10 percent), Turner (62 percent), and fellow Rockets teammate Chandler Parsons (60 percent) and James Harden (59 percent).

Manu Ginobili (76 percent) and Ray Allen (68.80 percent) occupied the top two spots on the highest field goal percentage on drives, but the numbers are expected to drop as the season progresses. LeBron James, who is ranked third in the category, is expected to sustain his 68.40 percentage on drives because of his ability to finish plays efficiently.

Making an Impact

The Rockets have been doing well despite the absence of Lin, thanks to strong plays from Terrence Jones as the team's starting power forward. However, the Rockets would still need Lin's production when the going gets tough in the upcoming months.

Houston is still way above .500 at 14-7 in the NBA standings, but the true test has yet to come for the Rockets, who are expected to be one of several teams primed to go for the NBA Championship this season.

With Lin doing damage as the team's top penetrator, the Rockets will have a great chance of solidifying their spot in a very competitive Western Conference.