Brooklyn Nets star Jeremy Lin emphasized that there was no previous argument between him and former New York Knicks teammate Carmelo Anthony. Lin added that he doesn't know the reason behind rumors that Anthony made double-edged statement about him being the new head figure and playmaker of Nets.
Jeremy Lin and Anthony were supposed to clash over the weekend but Nets coach Kenny Atkinson sat the point guard. New York Knicks won the night by edging Nets at 116-98. Atkinson is apparently aware about Lin-Anthony friction but he responded that it has nothing to do with his decision to fence the Chinese star. Then he capped that Saturday's match was a preseason game so they opt to reserve key players.
To recall, Anthony allegedly used lines such as "believe it or not," "they paid him" when he described Jeremy Lin being a new face of Brooklyn Nets. Then he branded Lin's $25 million contract as "ridiculous" deal, New York Post reported. Some basketball fans perceived Anthony's statement as a slight. Rumors or not, these words amplified previous reports that Lin stirred Anthony's irritation when he donned his trademark Linsanity explosiveness in string of games with the Knicks.
Also fueling the perceived friction is an ESPN interview with Amar'e Stoudemire. He bluntly said that Lin did not endure with Knicks because not everybody in the team were happy to witness Lin transcending into superstar status. Then Stoudemire added that teammates should have let Lin enjoy his success instead of pulling him down. On Anthony's part, he has long since denied that Stoudemire was referring to him as un-receptive of Lin.
Now going into Jeremy Lin perspective about Anthony's perceived jealousy, the Harvard hoopster shied away from rough counters. Lin said that his experience with Knicks was generally good and no player has mistreated him. Even Nets coach Atkinson who was then assistant at Knicks said that he did not notice any reluctance on Anthony when Lin was building his name.