MIAMI — Jeremy Lin was once known as a Mike D’Antoni point guard, but yesterday Lin gave his blessing to Knicks interim coach Mike Woodson.
Lin and Woodson are expected to be reunited next season. Lin is a restricted free agent and the Knicks have eyes on re-signing him with all or part of their $5 million mid-level exception.
Woodson has been told by owner James Dolan that he wants him back as coach next season and all that’s left is hammering out a contract, according to sources.
“I think he’s gotten a lot out of all the players, the way we finished the season, the way we were playing defense,’’ said Lin, who was ruled out of the first-round series that ended in the Knicks’ 106-94 Game 5 loss last night. “We were the No. 1 defensive team during a stretch. I think he’s done a great job with this team and how he uses the players and what he gets out of the players.’’
Lin, 24, thrived under D’Antoni’s speedball offense and never got an extended chance to settle in under Woodson, playing just six games before tearing the meniscus in his left knee. Woodson slowed the attack after Lin’s knee injury, with more isolations.
“It’s a nice mix in terms of putting people in spots they need to be in and also spacing the floor and having the creativity,’’ Lin said.
Lin said his knee is only at “85 percent” capacity and that’s why he was ruled out of the series on Tuesday. But he probably hasn’t played his last game as a Knick and hopes to be back.
“I don’t really want to guess,’’ Lin said. “You never know what happens in this business. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen.’’
Because of Lin’s status under the Arenas Rule, no team can offer him more than the NBA’s average salary, which figures to be in the $5 million range. That means no club can outbid the Knicks, who can match any offer.
“I’m definitely comfortable here,’’ Lin said. “I love playing in New York. I love the fans. They gave me the chance. They believed in me. That’s why I’m here today. I owe a lot to this organization.’’