The New York Knicks’ standout point guard Jeremy Lin ’10—who triggered “Linsanity” around the NBA when he broke into the Knicks’ starting lineup in February, led the team on a seven-game winning streak, and became the first player to net at least 20 points and 7 assists in his first five starts since 1970 (when the Elias Sports Bureau began compiling such numbers)—will soon undergo arthroscopic surgery and miss at least the next six weeks of the season. Lin has a small, chronic meniscus tear in his left knee that prevents him from jumping or cutting; he might be able to rejoin the Knicks for the playoffs, assuming the New York team’s regular-season record qualifies them for playoff competition. That’s questionable, as another Knicks star, Amare Stoudemire, is out two to four weeks with a back injury, putting the onus on their star scorer Carmelo Anthony, a one-on-one offensive specialist.
Lin’s season stats have him averaging an estimable 14.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. He will be a free agent at the end of the season, leading to some speculation as to where he will play next year if the Knicks do not re-sign him. The knee injury and surgery to repair it only complicate that picture.