Jeremy Lin is No Longer the Starting Point Guard for the Houston Rockets

Jeremy Lin signed a 3-year, $25 million deal with the Houston Rockets 15 months ago, and he’s already lost his starting point guard spot. In a shocking story that nobody’s talking about – distracted by Dwight Howard, maybe? – Houston quietly named Patrick Beverly the starter this week. He’ll be in the backcourt alongside James Harden tonight when the Rockets host Michael Jordan’s Charlotte Bobcats. Lin spoke to the Houston Chronicle and seems to be taking it well:

"“I have known for awhile so it is not really a surprise for me,” Lin said. “I think for me, I am just focused on basketball. You know I, I need to control what I do when I am out there like I said. I feel like I am beating a dead horse with some of the things I’m saying. Controlling what I can control and playing my brand of basketball when I’m out there and doing what’s best for us, for the team and running the second unit to the best of my ability.”"

Lin struggled in the first round playoff series against the Thunder last season (he was battling a shoulder injury), registering eight turnovers and eight assists in four games. Beverly thrived in his place, and was famously involved in that crucial Russell Westbrook injury.

The anti-Lin contingent will surely take glee in his demotion – that includes Melo and JR Smith – which some will read as a ‘win’ for the Knicks, who balked on retaining him. Lin, of course, is taking it like a pro … but for how long? Next year is the final year of his deal, and he’s set to make nearly $15 million. Given that Beverly is slated to make a mere $915k when the Rockets pick up his option, it seems quite obvious that Lin’s days in Houston are numbered.