Jeremy Lin’s hamstrings have hampered the Nets’ season, holding him to just 12 games and contributing to the team’s league-worst record. But the point guard finally resumed practice Tuesday and is expected to play in Denver on Feb. 24, the Nets’ first game after the All-Star break.
“He did pretty much everything, even a little extra afterwards, played a little full-court,’’ Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. “He’s going to get that 10-day All-Star period to get his rhythm, get in better shape, work on his cardio. So, good news. He looked good, shot the ball well. His conditioning he’s got to work on a little bit. It’s a little different than being on a bike or a treadmill.
“We’ve got to see the minutes [in Denver], how that looks, the gradual buildup. … I’m not sure exactly what that minutes restriction is going to look like or if there’ll be one.”
Whatever minutes Lin plays in Denver will be a boost. Lin has missed 43 games, all but one of those due to a trio of left hamstring strains. He was averaging 13.9 points, 5.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds, and brings a veteran stability and leadership that are absent from rookie Isaiah Whitehead and 23-year-old Spencer Dinwiddie.
“I just think it’s big,’’ Atkinson said. “I just think it gives the whole organization, our team, some stability [to] see all of our players with a guy of Jeremy’s caliber and experience, really.
“Just watching him in the pick-and-roll, both offensively and defensively, there’s a level of understanding, a level of athleticism is what you see, speed and force. It’s kind of striking when you’re seeing it. So it’ll be good. I think it’s well-needed, especially with us struggling.”
The Nets (9-46) go into Wednesday’s game against the Bucks with the worst record in the NBA. Their 13-game losing skid is the longest in the league this season, and their 15-game slump at home is a club record. Lin’s absence is a huge part of that.
“It’s definitely been a different challenge,’’ the former Knicks sensation said. “I’ve never experienced this challenge of not being able to play and having to watch. It’s been difficult. It’s been really, really hard to watch. I feel for the guys because they’re playing hard, they’re playing the right way, they’re moving the ball, trying to do the right things.
“They’re giving effort, and sometimes it doesn’t happen. Sometimes, we have a good lead, we’re in control, and we lose it. I’m not going to lie, it wears on everybody. I walk in there, and I just feel bad. I feel bad. I’m a little bit upset at myself. I just feel bad for the whole situation, really.”
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