A day after Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome ankle injury that is expected to keep him out for the 2017-18 season, Nets point guard Jeremy Lin went down in Brooklyn’s opener with what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the fourth quarter against the Pacers.
Lin’s immediate reaction was to say “I’m done,” and unfortunately he appears to have been correct with his initial self-diagnosis. The Nets made the official announcement on Thursday morning that Lin was done for the season after rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee.
Nets officially announce that Jeremy Lin will miss the entire 2017-18 season. pic.twitter.com/1GEmPNvXHC
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) October 19, 2017
“Jeremy worked tremendously hard during the offseason and in training camp and was excited for the prospects of the team this season,” read GM Sean Marks’ statement. “We feel awful that the injury will cost him the season, however our entire organization will be there to support Jeremy in every way possible throughout his recovery. Jeremy remains an important part of this team and will continue to contribute in a leadership role.”
It’s a big blow to the Nets, who were banking on taking positive strides this season thanks to a strong backcourt with Lin and the recently acquired D’Angelo Russell. It’s also extremely unfortunate for Lin, who had a strong 2016-17 campaign in Brooklyn averaging 14.5 points and 5.1 assists per game in his first season with the Nets.
Hopefully Lin will be able to make a full recovery and be back on the court next season. Lin’s work ethic is well established, so one would expect him to attack his rehab process. For now, the Nets will lean more on Russell and continue trying to develop him and their other young players as their rebuilding process continues.
