Jeremy Lin is hoping to return one week sooner than expected. Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

This is a risky proposition for Lin and the Knicks. The Knicks are already without rookie guard Iman Shumpert. Shumpert has been great for the Knicks in his first season in the NBA. But he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Game 1 that will sideline him for six to eight months. Shumpert and Lin are the future for the Knicks. The Knicks can’t afford to lose Lin too.

By the time Game 4 arrives, the Knicks could be in a 3-0 hole. Linsanity won’t be able to save them from that deficit. So the Knicks should keep Lin firmly on the bench in this scenario. And if the Knicks win a game or two by then, then they would have found a way to beat the Heat. Adding Lin to the mix could disrupt things. Besides, there is no chance of a Willis Reed-like comeback. Lin hasn’t played a game in over a month.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a huge fan of Lin. That’s why I think the Knicks should be cautious with him. Putting him on the floor too soon is risky. If Lin re-injures his knee, the Knicks could be without Shumpert and Lin for the next several months. That’s not the way you want to start next season.

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.

When healthy, Davis is an elite point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA).  He brings playmaking abilities and

When healthy, Baron Davis is one of the best point guards in the NBA.

leadership to the floor.  But it is his experience at the point guard position that the Knicks desperately need.

The Knicks started this season with Toney Douglas at the point but quickly abandoned that project.  Veteran Mike Bibby has played well at times, but he is not the player he used to be.  Rookie Iman Shumpert took over the starting job and has made some dazzling plays.  But the offense still seems unsettled.

Three different players have auditioned for the role.  None of them have emerged as the immediate solution.  Lack of continuity at the point guard position has greatly affected the offense.

Soon the Knicks will have to adjust yet again.  But they will gladly do that for Davis.  Davis is a proven point guard.  He can run an offense, find teammates and add offense of his own.  Another adjustment period is coming, but they have to do it.

So who will be the odd man out for the Knicks?

One option is to move Shumpert to the bench.  The rookie has been a capable point guard so he can spell Davis when needed.  Shumpert would also be a spark off the bench with his energy, defensive intensity and scoring.

Another choice is to relegate Landry Fields.  Fields was the steal of the draft last season.  However, he struggled toward the end of the year and has not been the same player since.  Moving Fields to the bench could ease the pressure and allow him to find his shot again.

Whatever the Knicks decide, the season of adjustments will continue.  It will take some time before these Knicks come together and play to their potential.  They will eventually develop chemistry.  Will it happen this season?  Only time will tell.

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.

Sources:

NBA Statistics – Yahoo! Sports