Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash has no doubts his backup Jeremy Lin will have a big year ahead after witnessing his performance in his purple-and-gold debut with the Denver Nuggets last Monday.
Nash, who finished 11 points and 5 assists in the Lakers first pre-season match, believed the former Harvard standout could be a really big piece of the team's success this season because of the way he orchestrates the offense.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott once again commended Lin for his all-out effort on both ends of the floor, while he singled-out the guard's incredible skill as a playmaker.
"Byron Scott commended Lin post-game for his ability to orchestrate the offense and Steve Nash said he believes Lin has the ability to have a great year. Nash pointed to Lin's decision making ability, especially in pick and rolls and transition," via Lakers Nation.
Despite scoring just one point on 0-for-6 shooting from the field, the 26-year old Lin dished out 10 dimes in 27 minutes of playing time, connecting well with the big guys, especially power forward Ed Davis.
"Jeremy found me on a lot of easy looks," Davis told the press after the match via Lakers.com. "I just had to lay the ball up. I caught it around the basket. But other than that, I'm happy that we got this win."
The Lakers hope the connection between Lin and Davis would serve as a sparkplug for the team's second unit this upcoming season.
"Those probably will be two of the first guys off the bench," Scott told the press. "With the way Ed played last night, (he) definitely played well. And Jeremy didn't shoot the ball well - and we know he's capable of making shots - but he did a good job of orchestrating the offense and making great passes."
Lin and the Lakers are scheduled to continue their preseason campaign against rising-star Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Thursday at Staples Center.