At the center of media attention in Charlotte Hornets' preparation for 2015 NBA Global Games here on Saturday, newcomer Jeremy Lin emphasized that one thing that he needs to do now is to feel comfortable in the new team.
"It's Ok between the team and me. It's still a little early as the new season will kick off late this month, so I just need to get comfortable, and have some communication with my teammates and coach," said Lin.
In 2012, Lin rose to international fame during his stay in New York Knicks with stunning performance, leading the team to a seven-game winning streak. After a short stay in Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers in the following three seasons, he joined Hornets this summer.
As for his positioning in the current roster, Lin found it not easy to be fluent as someone in the team got hurt, while coach Steve Clifford's consistency in tactics gave him much confidence.
"It's no different from the beginning that he's going to rely on me to make a lot of plays and be aggressive. Everything that he said is consistent, that's fine," he added.
In an earlier inteview, Michael Jordan, former NBA superstar and the Hornets' boss, regarded Lin as the biggest acquisition of the team this summer.
"Really?" Lin reflected when hearing about his boss' comment.
"It's an honor. But it's still a little early, and I need to improve day by day from now," he added.
Kemba Walker, Hornets' starting point guard, mentioned what he has learned from Lin during the past several weeks.
"We push each other to get better every day. Jeremy is a very good player, so I've kind of learned some things from him," said Walker.
"He is a great pick-and-roll player, and I can definitely learn some things in that aspect from him," added Walker.
Also as a newly-recruited player, Nicolas Batum could agree no more to Walker in terms of learning from each other.
"We see each other in the locker room, and have some talks in the practice. He (Lin) is a great guy, and I have the chance to learn from each other in the past couple of weeks," said Batum.
Batum spent the past seven years in Portland Trail Blazers, and met Jeremy Lin (in Houston Rockets) in playoffs. From opponent to friends, Batum thought that it well reflected the business of NBA.
"This is the NBA. You never know who will play with you next season, and will meet different guys," commented Batum.
Hornets will play against Los Angeles Clippers, led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, in their first match of NBA Global China Games 2015 here on Sunday, with the second game next Wednesday.
