TEEN SPIRIT: Jeremy Lin was mobbed by fans at an autograph signing at an Orlando-area mall, with many fans turned away after an hour without an autograph from the Knicks’ point guard. (NBAE/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Jeremy Lin dismissed suggestions he should play in tonight’s All-Star Game, but embraced the notion the Knicks still could be battling in June.
The Linsanity that swept All-Star Weekend raged on as the Knicks new starting point guard held another press conference yesterday morning at the All-Star Jam Session, an event staged for Asian media.
Lin then was swept off to a nearby mall where more than 600 Orlando fans, many wearing his Lin or Linsanity clothing, stood in line for more than two hours to get his autograph. More than half of them were shut out because Lin was booked for only an hour.
“Everyone’s goal is to win a championship,’’ Lin said yesterday. “It’s a very tough thing to do. I think we have the talent. I know we have the talent to do it.’’
Lin participated in Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge as a late addition after he became a global phenomenon in three weeks and just 12 games. He was on last week’s Asian version of Time Magazine, but Lin said it’s premature to start calling him an All-Star now. The Knicks have one All-Star playing in tonight’s game at Amway Arena, Carmelo Anthony, making his debut for the Eastern Conference as a starting forward.
“I think I belong in the Rising Stars challenge as a young player who’s finding his way in the league, trying to establish myself and help my team win games,’’ Lin said. “But I definitely don’t think I belong in terms of Sunday night with the greats. I’m definitely not there.’’
Lin’s numbers during the Knicks’ surge have been All-Star quality — 23 points, 8.6 assists, a 9-3 record.
“I’ve only played [12] games with major minutes,’’ Lin said. “This is a long process. I need to make sure I’m not getting complacent and that our team continues to climb. And we want to be able to get into the top half of the East and make a push in the playoffs. I definitely don’t want to try to compare myself to the All-Stars or the greats.’’
Lin admitted to crying during his journey, which included getting cut twice by the Warriors and Rockets and being sent to the D-League on three occasions, including by the Knicks.
“There’s been lot of really tough times where I’ve just been reduced to tears,’’ Lin said. “I couldn’t contain my emotions just because everything that was going on from all the pressures and stress of the NBA season.’’
Lin was asked for the first time about his Knicks future and whether he wants to play there long-term. The Knicks are in luck because the Gilbert Arenas Rule still is in the new collective bargaining agreement. Though the Knicks must dedicate their $5 million mid-level exception to re-sign him, possibly on a long-term deal, nobody can bid more than the league’s average salary. The Knicks can match the offer.
“That’s something that’s in the future,’’ Lin said. “I don’t want to think about it too much. Becoming a free agent, people are going to talk about it. That’s not really on my mind right now. Obviously I love the organization and city but right now I’m focused on this season and what I can do to help. We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes.’’
Lin, who wants to be a preacher, added, “I really believe God wants me in New York now.’’
Team USA president Jerry Colangelo repeatedly has said Lin won’t play in the Summer Olympics in London because he has to reward players who have paid their dues. But Colangelo will consider inviting him onto the practice team that will scrimmage Team USA at July’s training camp.
Lin left Orlando yesterday after his autograph-signing, indicating he was headed to a beach break with family, feeling he needed to rest before Monday’s practice. If the Linderella ride continues, he potentially could get the fan vote for starting point guard next year, especially because of his global appeal as the NBA’s first Chinese-American player.
“Obviously I’d love to be part of the Sunday event,” Lin said, “but I’d rather be seeing this team able to play into late in June and be part of a deep playoff run and championship.”
Lin said the rock-star treatment hasn’t gone to his head.
“I want to be able to be the same person 10 years down the road as I am now, ‘’ Lin said. “If I’m changing, I want you guys to be the first to let me know.’’