Jeremy Lin News: JLin Needs to Play for Another Team; Is James Harden the Reason for His Struggles? (Video)

Despite Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin having his most efficient year since he arrived in Houston in 2012, basketball analysts are convinced that the best option for the Asian-American star is to play for another team, because of one reason—James Harden.

Transforming from a starter into a full-fledged bench player, the former Harvard standout has been the ultimate professional, openly embracing his new role with his team this season. It's another up-and-down campaign for the 25-year-old Lin, but his efficiency is certainly at an all-time high.

Averaging 12.5 points and 4.2 assists in 28 minutes per game, Lin played a critical role for the Rockets. His numbers might have dropped from last season, but the impact he provided in every game is simply indispensible.

Dilemma in the Backcourt

However, there are analysts who believe Lin can do well, and even improve his game, if he plays elsewhere. There's no arguing that Lin has the best chance of winning his first championship ring with the star-studded Rockets, though his tenure in Houston will never yield individual success or help him reach his full potential as a baller.

The notion that Lin cannot co-exist with James Harden has been tackled numerous times. There are moments Lin and Harden are sensational as a backcourt tandem, while most of the time they are very much unpredictable.

In the Rockets' March 29 118-107 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Lin managed to score 10 points on a 1-for-9 shooting from the field. On the other hand, Harden finished with 32 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, with six turnovers. Other than what's visible across the stats sheet, Harden is more of a liability than Lin.

According to Sportige, Harden and his "ball hog" tendencies appears to be the main reason behind Lin's struggles. Harden is averaging roughly six assists this year, yet his commitment to teamwork remains a work in progress.

"Instead of spreading the floor and making it about quick ball movement, it once again became the James Harden show, which means the ball goes through him and stays in hands way longer than it should," Sportige claimed.

Sportinge also believes Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale failed to lay down a system for his backcourt. He often relies on Harden as his ball handler down the stretch rather than giving Lin the shot to orchestrate more fluid plays.

"For yet another example of how skewed the Rockets are in how they approach their offensive game, Lin was depending on Harden to get him the ball. He could have done a better job with his shooting, no doubt, but Lin in the lineup and wasting away all those minutes by looking at Harden try and play point guard is simply an embarrassment to coaching," Sportige noted.

With $15 million taking effect against the Rockets' salary cap next season, many basketball followers are doubtful of Lin's future with the team. General manager Daryl Morey is expected to re-tool his roster and add more talent to make them a formidable championship contender over the next few years. Lin might be gone in that time span. And honestly, it'd be a boon for his career.

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