If any player on the Bulls can fully grasp the Linsanity phenomenon, its John Lucas III. In the absence of both the still-sidelined Derrick Rose and backup point guard C.J. Watson earlier this season, Lucas showcased his ability to the tune of 25 points (on 28 shots) in a win over visiting Washington.
Thus, he understands that when given the opportunity, even a deep reserve on an NBA team has the ability to light it up if permitted to play enough minutes.
That said, Lucas, already a journeyman of sorts in his young professional career, while not jealous of Linwho has led the Knicks to a 7-0 record since he started receiving major minutes; hes 6-0 as a starterknows that time and situation plays a part in the success of players.
As a player, kind of in our shoes, who plays a little bit, maybe goes back to the end of the bench or not play at all, one team this year, another team next year, youre out of the leaguewhen you see players stay with it and not give up on what they want to do and want they want to accomplish, you root for them, Lucas explained to CSNChicago.com. I like his game and Ive been watching him, and its great that he went in there and stepped up. Hes accepting the challenge and so, youve got to root a person on whos an underdog.
Lucas, whose father played and coached in the league, recognized Lins talent when the current Knicks star was playing in college.
I watched him when he was at Harvard. My dad is really good friends with Tommy Amaker, whos the head coach at Harvard, and when they came to play Rice University in Houston, Lucas hometown, I was able to go to the game," he recounted. "I watched him play then and I watch him play now. Hes got game. If he didnt have game, he wouldnt be in this league, so it just shows you cant take anybody lightly because theyve never played and hes making the best of his opportunity.
"I just take my hat off to him. I thought he had a shot. I wouldnt say a legit lottery pick or anything like that, but I thought he had a legitimate shot to play in this league when I saw him play because I saw he was poised and he plays the game funhaving fun out there, thats what its all aboutand it shows.
NBA
Lucas believes that by playing in New Yorks guard-friendly system, Linthe winner of the Eastern Conference player of the week award last weekis better equipped to thrive, even after the return of All-Star Carmelo Anthony, known as an isolation scorer.
The system fits. Mike DAntonis system is a running system and he brings the Phoenix offense, so you really, as a PG, dont have to worry about getting into playsjust get it and go, a lot of pick-and-rolland when youre able to create, get into the paint, finish, dime it, that system fits just about anybody," Lucas observed. "Its almost like youre playing in a summer-league game, but it fits him and I think he fits that system, he fits that coach and that team. Hes just showing what he brings to the table.
I dont think its a big adjustment. At the end of the day, as a ballplayer, you know your position, you know your role on the team. Obviously, hes not going to shoot the ball as much as hes been doing. Because of the injuries to them, hes had to step up to the plate and take some of the slack. I think, as a basketball player, youll find your way when everybody gets back, everybody gets healthy because its not just going to make you better. Its going to make the whole team better.