Jeremy Lin's Career Suffers Another Setback, Opens NBA Season on Bench
Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin will not be a member of the team's starting five when the season opens tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats.
Patrick Beverly, who played consistently during the Rockets' preseason games, has been given the opportunity instead.
"I haven't had the fortune to play in the NBA on opening night," Beverley told CSNHouston. "It's going to be my first. I'm definitely excited."
While Rockets coach Kevin McHale did not disclose to the media who his starting line-up would be, Rockets forward Chandler Parsons matter-of-factly passed the news along to reporters.
"I don't know why it's a big surprise," Parsons said. "It's the same as how the preseason ended."
Lin is currently in the middle of a three year, $25 million contract and receiving $8.3 million from the Rockets this year, while Beverly's only slated to pick up $800,000 this year. Lin has struggled at times to prevent turnovers. On the other hand, Beverly's gained the trust of the coaching staff as a consistent defender and shooter.
In his first season with the Rockets, Lin struggled as a starter, averaging 13.4 points per game and lost more playing time as the season progressed. He also played off the bench the entire preseason.
His life and playing career were the topic of a documentary, "Linsanity," that was released at the beginning of October.
