Palo Alto High grad Jeremy Lin has left the Los Angeles Lakers and signed a two-year, free-agent contract with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
Lin first announced the signing on an Instagram post on Wednesday before writing on his Facebook page Thursday.
“Going into my first true free agency as an NBA player this off-season, the one thing that mattered to me the most was finding a team that would be a good fit for me. I wanted to be on a team where I would be able to play freely and truly play the game I love with joy again. That has always been the most important thing to me. After a LOT of prayer and long discussions with family and friends, I wanted to personally let you guys know I’ll be joining the Charlotte Hornets.”
Various reports pegged the contract at $4.3 million for two years.
The 6-foot-3 Lin has played in 291 NBA games for the Warriors, Knicks, Rockets and Lakers over five seasons and has averaged 11.7 points, 4.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 26.9 minutes.
The 26-year-old Lin is expected to back up Kemba Walker in Charlotte and run the second-team offense, according to ESPN.com.
He’s the latest offseason addition as general manager Rich Cho looks to upgrade the Hornets’ sagging offense. Lin is expected to be introduced Monday at a news conference.
Lin is a career 43.7 percent shooter, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range, numbers which are significantly higher than starting guard Kemba Walker.
Cho said in a conference call with reporters, which was reported by various news services, that Lin adds a different dimension to the point guard spot.
“We were looking to get more depth in the backcourt and we feel really good about the signing,” Cho said. “He’s going to bring some energy to our backcourt and our second unit. He will be a great addition.”
Lin played in 74 games last season for the Lakers, averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 assists. He shot 42.4 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from 3-point range.
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
Too bad he doesn’t want to win. Hornets are miles from a ring.
Would have been a reasonable backup for the Dubs. Maybe take a mill less over two, make it up in endorsements as a hometown favorite. We loved him at Oracle.
Good luck, Jeremy.