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Brian Lewis caught up with Jeremy Lin —and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson— Wednesday at Steve Nash’s soccer charity, held this year at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in Manhattan. Apatently, the first thing Lin wanted to talk about was the chemistry developing between him and D’Angelo Russell, acquired in a trade Tuesday.
“I’ve always loved two combo guards playing together. I’ve always been an advocate of that, whether it’s me playing alongside Patrick Beverley or playing alongside Kemba [Walker],” Lin told The Post. “Me and Kemba’s pairing was the most fun I’ve had.
“Playing alongside another person who is dynamic makes the game easier. … I’m excited to share the backcourt with him. I’ve already reached out to him. We’ve texted a bit, so it should be cool.”
More like hot as in firepower. With the departure of Brook Lopez and the Nets’ take in the Draft and free agency yet to be determined, the Nets offense is going to be focused on the backcourt rather than the post.
Lin added that he and DAR are very different and should have no problem playing together. Skeptics however argue that both need the ball to be at the top of their games.
“We’re definitely not the same player. We’re definitely very different, and that’s what’s going to make it work,” Lin told The Post. “The thing I like about him is he’s versatile. He can spot up, he can drive, he can shoot. That’s what makes it hard for the defenses, when you have different looks.”
There was no discussion of how Russell, the overall No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, could ultimately being Lin’s successor. Lin’s contract includes a player option at the end of this season while Russell’s has two years to run on rookie money.
Hollis-Jefferson, like Lin, lamented the loss of Lopez but noted one big change.
“We’re getting really young. D’Angelo is going to come fit right in, because he’s willing to work. He’s humble. I know him already,” said RHJ, who’s only 22 himself. Russell, despite two years at a starter for the Lakers, is still only 21. He’ll be the youngest player on the team once the trade is officia.
He, too, isn’t worried about Lin and Russell meshing.
“Jeremy is one of the most unselfish people I ever met, so he’s willing to sacrifice some things,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “And once our coaches meet with D’Angelo and see his feeling for things, I’m sure he’s willing to sacrifice too. In the end people want to win.”
- Jeremy Lin: Why new texting bud D’Angelo Russell is perfect fit - Brian Lewis - New York Post
- Nets’ deal for D'Angelo Russell stems from them, once again, not having a high draft pick - Josh Burton - New York Daily News