Two-time NBA MVP playmaker Steve Nash admitted that he likes what he sees from Jeremy Lin throughout the first week of training camp, believing his ability to slash through defense would provide opportunities for the team to score.
Perhaps playing for his final NBA seasons, the 40-year old Nash did not mince word in admiring Lin's body of work so far in training, as the purple-and-gold gets ready to start a new season.
Nash, known as one of the finest passers in the history of the game, thinks Lin can be a big part of the Lakers' success because of his ability to drive through lanes and make all kinds of plays inside the interior.
"He gets to the basket. He can really get in there at the rim causes problems, create fouls," Nash said of Lin following Friday's 5-on-5 scrimmage at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo, California.
Scott, who openly admitted he is a fan of Lin even before he was hired as the new Lakers head coach, also spoke highly of Lin's performance so far, adding that he hasn't disappointed him yet.
"I like him a lot. I really do," Scott told reporters on Wednesday via LA Times. "On defense he really knows where to be. He's gritty, just like I knew he would be.
"He's going to guard you to the best of his ability, and he never gives up on a play. Offensively he runs the team. He gets to the basket. I love the way he pushes the ball in the open floor."
After a season of frustration capped by missing the postseason, the Lakers are putting more emphasis on defense and conditioning this offseason. And apparently, the 26-year old Lin is up to the challenge.
"The running comes with the territory, it's kind of what you have to do at the beginning," Lin said. "After a while, we'll get into more playing and less running, after we establish our defensive principles."
The Lakers will open their pre-season campaign on Monday against the Denver Nuggets, where Lin is expected to play behind projected starter Steve Nash.
