Nets’ Jeremy Lin Out For Season

Veteran point guard Jeremy Lin suffered a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee during Brooklyn’s season opener in Indiana on Wednesday, the Nets announced today in a press release. According to the team, Lin is expected to miss the entire 2017/18 season.Jeremy Lin vertical

“Jeremy worked tremendously hard during the offseason and in training camp and was excited for the prospects of the team this season,” GM Sean Marks said in a statement. “We feel awful that the injury will cost him the season, however our entire organization will be there to support Jeremy in every way possible throughout his recovery. Jeremy remains an important part of this team and will continue to contribute in a leadership role.”

Lin, who sustained the injury during the fourth quarter of the Nets’ opener against the Pacers, landed awkwardly after a drive to the basket. As we detailed on Wednesday night, the injury immediately looked like a bad one, with Lin grabbing his knee and repeatedly saying, “I’m done.”

It’s a devastating blow for the Nets, who hoped to have Lin healthy this season after injuries limited him to just 36 games in his first year in Brooklyn. The Nets went 13-23 when Lin played last year and 7-39 when he didn’t, a reflection of his importance to the club. The 29-year-old had been set to share the starting backcourt with fellow point guard D’Angelo Russell in a pairing that was off to a good start in Indiana before Lin went down — the duo combined for 48 points in the game.

With Lin sidelined, backup point guard Isaiah Whitehead figures to be in for a larger role this season. Brooklyn could also lean more heavily on guards like Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Sean Kilpatrick, with Allen Crabbe potentially moving into the starting lineup.

As for Lin, we wish him a speedy – and full – recovery. He’ll be in line for an interesting decision after the season, with a 2018/19 player option on his contract. It’s worth about $12.52MM.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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