Jeremy Lin was ranked the No. 78 best player in the NBA according to ESPN. The rating was reached by 104 experts and they rated each player from the level of 0-10 in terms of "what their current quality of each player."
I, for one, am content with the ranking as there is no doubt that Lin is amongst the most game changing players in the NBA right now.
Though only working with a 25-game sample, Lin carried the New York Knicks into the playoffs and brought magic back to the streets of midtown Manhattan surrounding Madison Square Garden. He was indeed a sensation.
I may not endorse Lin as one of the top point guards of the league and as many know, I do not think he is a superstar yet, but with his skill sets, he has a chance to compete with the Chris Pauls, Russell Westbrooks and Derrick Roses of the game in a few years.
He still needs more time to prove himself, however.
Lin is sandwiched between players like JaVale McGee who is 77 and Andrei Kirilenko who is No. 79.
Just like McGee is expected to impact the Nuggets and Kirilenko carried the Jazz in his tenure in Utah, Lin proved he can perform at pivotal times and help a team win.
The question is can he win under pressure and can he do it for a full season?
The 78th spot on the board protects him from such exposure and does not have him too high on the list. Right now, he is ranked amongst role players.
The media might not affect a player like Kobe Bryant, but you better believe Lin has his ear open, especially after the way he blew up last season.
The rating helps Lin as he will play in 2012-2013 with the pressure of changing the fate of the Houston Rockets.
Like Lin said on his twitter, "Anything above 467 would have been sweet, but 78?? wow...blessed and thankful!! #NBArank." No. 78 reflects his ability to perform and still leaves room for growth.
