Jeremy Lin failed to make an impact for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. While Lin has been inconsistent for the majority of his career, shooting coach Doc Scheppler told Hoops Habit there were several factors that affected the former Harvard University standout.
Lin averaged 11.2 points on top of 4.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 74 games last season. He started in their first 19 games last season, but Lakers coach Byron Scott moved him to the bench in favor of Ronnie Price and Jordan Clarkson.
According to Scheppler, Lin's potential was not maximized during his lone season in Los Angeles because of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, who played 35 games last season before sustaining a shoulder injury, and coach Scott.
"The Lakers were such a dysfunctional team, so poorly coached," Scheppler said. "Kobe was out there trying to prove himself every day, while minimizing every player around him because he didn't think they were good. That was so sad."
Scheppler blasted Scott for not letting Lin play in pick-and-roll situations. For him, the undrafted guard could have created more scoring opportunities for the Lakers had Scott allowed more pick-and-roll plays for Lin.
Aside from Scott, Scheppler also took a swipe at former New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson and superstar Carmelo Anthony. Lin has his breakout season in New York in 2012, but the shooting coach said the 27-year-old point guard did not get a fair shake.
"In New York, Woodson undervalued him," Scheppler said. "He basically just wanted the ball thrown into Carmelo. And Carmelo didn't want Lin in New York because it would take away from his thunder."
Lin, who also had stints with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, moved to the Charlotte Hornets this summer after signing a two-year deal worth $4.37 million.
Lin reportedly received offers from several teams. Previous reports indicated that the Palo Alto, California native got feelers from the Dallas Mavericks and the Rockets.
Scheppler said that Lin decided to sign with the Hornets because he feels his strength will be maximized by coach Steve Clifford, who personally recruited the five-year veteran during the free-agency period.
"We're very excited about this year," Scheppler said. "He's in a much better position with a great coach. One reason he signed with Charlotte is because of the coach, Steve Clifford. It came down to Jeremy's sit down for two hours with Clifford."
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