Should the New York Knicks Sign Jeremy Lin or Steve Nash?

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How much does Steve Nash have left? Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

On February 14, 2012, the New York Knicks were tied with the Toronto Raptors 87-87. There were five seconds left in the game, and the fans cheered as Jeremy Lin dribbled the ball. The Knicks were on a five-game winning streak thanks to him. Linsanity had taken over the NBA. Could Lin possibly top his stunning performances? Yes. Lin calmly drained a three-pointer that proved to be the game-winner. Lin had exploded onto the NBA scene. This was just one moment of his magical run with the Knicks. And there was no question in my mind that Lin would be the point guard of the future for the New York Knicks.

But on Thursday May 10, 2012, the future was not so clear. Lin stated that “nothing is set in stone.” He sounded unsure about his future with the Knicks, as Steve Nash rumors circulated. Lin clearly wants to stay in New York. But how much do the Knicks want to keep him?

How quickly the Knicks have forgotten what Lin did this season. After losing badly to the Miami Heat in Round 1 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Knicks seem to be in panic mode. Amar’e Stoudemire himself is campaigning for Nash.

Would Nash be a good fit in New York? Of course he would. He is one of the greatest pure point guards to ever play the game. Nash would immediately solve the Knicks’ backcourt problems. But immediate is the operative word here. Nash is 38 years old. How many more years does he have left? Nash is going to slow down soon, maybe even next season.

The best-case scenario for the Knicks is to sign both Lin and Nash. Then Lin could learn from Nash. And Nash could prolong his career by deferring some minutes to Lin. It would be the best of both worlds. The Knicks would have their point guard of the future and present.

But can the Knicks pull this off? It seems unlikely. However, they do have the means to keep Lin. But how much do they want him? Other teams will certainly go after Lin. And how much do the Knicks want Nash? How badly does Nash want to be a Knick? Something has to give. It’s going to be an interesting summer.

Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.