With Mike Woodson now in charge of the Knicks, this is really the fourth different offense Jeremy Lin has had to learn in the past few months.
Lin started training camp with the Warriors, briefly moved to the Rockets, then had to immerse himself in Mike D’Antoni’s offense and now has to learn Woodson’s. That’s a lot of systems to learn in less than a year.
“There’s challenges with every offense, but I think in terms of what we’re running, it’s not like I’ve never ever seen it before or ever ran it before,” Lin said yesterday. “College, high school. Obviously not at the same level, but you’re familiar with the sets.”
Linsanity has gradually re-emerged under Woodson, as Lin has improved since scoring just six points (albeit on only four shots) against Portland in his first game under the new coach. He then dropped 13 points (on seven shots) against the Pacers on Friday and poured in 19 points (10 shots) in Indiana the next night.
Under Woodson, Lin is averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 assists while shooting 52 percent (11-for-21).
Lin said Woodson’s offense features “less spacing,” but Woodson doesn’t think that’s true.
“It’s not less spread. We’re still running pick and roll. We’re still shooting 3s,” the interim head coach said. “I’ve got some sets that might shrink it a little bit, but I’m the head coach now and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Woodson also said Lin’s responsibilities under him are the same as they were for D’Antoni.
“I haven’t handcuffed anyone in terms of how we play offensively,” Woodson said.
* Baron Davis (strained right hamstring) is questionable for tonight’s game against Toronto.
Davis, who missed Saturday’s game, participated in drills yesterday at practice. If he can’t go, either Mike Bibby or Toney Douglas figure to back up Lin.
Bibby played 10 minutes on Saturday, scoring five points.
* Lin on the Knicks’ difference defensively recently: “Effort. We probably haven’t really changed anything [schematically]. Not that I remember.”