Atlantic Notes: Lin, Celtics, Noel, Hornacek

The Nets‘ top offseason signee, Jeremy Lin, is finally ready to return to the court on Monday night after missing five weeks with a hamstring injury, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. While Lin should be good to go tonight, it doesn’t sound as if he’ll start, as the club will likely ease him back into action.

“Jeremy is back and will play some minutes,” said Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson. “I think it’s the same strategy we’ve used with other guys, where we’re going to progress. He’s not going to play 40 minutes. It’s going to be a slow progression getting back. So I’ll listen to the medical team.”

As Brooklyn gets ready to welcome Lin back to its lineup, let’s check in on a few more Atlantic notes…

  • As we noted earlier today, Celtics GM Danny Ainge is reportedly focused on landing an impact player in a trade, preferring to be patient before turning his attention to a complementary piece. However, as Chris Mannix of The Vertical suggests in an appearance on CSN’s Toucher & Rich, the only players available on the trade market right now are sixth-, seventh-, or eighth-man types. Teams are unlikely to seriously consider moving a star until much closer to the deadline.
  • Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com examines what Nerlens Noel‘s return to the court means for the Sixers‘ roster balance, trade options, and pace. Noel left Sunday’s game – his first of the season – after just 10 minutes due to an ankle sprain, though that injury isn’t believed to be serious.
  • While Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek has worked aspects of the triangle into his offense, his overall system is “different and modern,” and has been met with enthusiasm from his players, says Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News.
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