July 21, 2010 – Dr. J-Water

It’s not often you hear about basketball players from Ivy league schools making it to the NBA. It’s quite obvious that they are not known for their athletics programs. But Jeremy Lin from Harvard has been puttin’ in work this summer in the NBA’s Summer League trying to make his dream of playing in the pro’s come true.

He’s been doing it in pretty impressive fashion, on occasions going toe to toe with the likes of #1 Draft Pick John Wall. It would be an understatement to say he’s ‘opening eyes’ around the league among scouts. This week alone Jeremy Lin has been in talks with the LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors about signing a contract for his services. Well according to ESPN, the GS Warriors are running away in the race to acquire Lin to add depth to their backcourt behind Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. Since CJ Watson decided to head for Chicago in a sign and trade, Lin may even see decent floor time off the bench this season if he decides to close the deal:

The Golden State Warriors are closing in on signing summer-league sensation Jeremy Lin, according to sources with knowledge of the talks. Sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday that the Warriors, by offering to guarantee more than half of Lin’s potential first-year salary of nearly $500,000, have reached an agreement with the point guard from Harvard. A scout said of Jeremy Lin’s play in Las Vegas: “He showed that he can be an NBA point guard. He showed us he can finish, defend and has above-average athleticism.” Lin is expected to receive a multiyear deal, sources said. The deal has not been signed. Lin’s Bay Area roots and consistently strong performance with the Dallas Mavericks’ squad in Las Vegas prompted the Warriors to chase Lin hard and ultimately outbid a handful of teams that have been pursuing him since summer-league play ended Sunday. The Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers were among the first teams to try to sign the 6-foot-3 guard for next season, but agent Roger Montgomery told ESPNDallas.com on Monday that the publicity Lin attracted for outplaying prized Mavs youngster Roddy Beaubois — while routinely flashing better-than-expected athleticism in the process — generated a clutch of new offers. {via}

You can’t help but feel good to hear stories like that of Jeremy Lin. Everyone likes to root for the underdog, right? Lin is just that, but with the speed, athleticism, and decision making skills he showed in summer league, maybe he’ll not only sign, but stick in the NBA as a legitimate player.

**Update** The Golden State Warriors have signed undrafted free agent guard Jeremy Lin. The team announced the deal with the former Harvard star and Bay Area native on Wednesday.