Without Lin, the Knicks commit PR suicide

Jeremy Lin may depart from the New York Knicks. This may be the biggest crisis for any NBA franchise since the lockout. One year ago, Linsanity was looking for a team to play on. After a fantastic spurt with the Knicks, he became one of the biggest names in the game today. According to the Bleacher Report, Lin's had the second highest jersey sales behind Derrick Rose, this year (that means ahead of Kobe and Lebron). 

The New York fans will never forget his role and what he brought to their team this season, regardless of how long it was for. Not only did he bring the fans some hope at a desperate time but brought the Knicks some serious revenue. Every news outlet (TIME, ESPN, you name it) in the U.S. and Canada had their take on the New York Knicks and their side of the Jeremy Lin story. It was a publicists dream - no pitching involved - and positive stories coming from left and right. He alone branded the team for the 2011-12 season as 'Linsanity in NYC'.

Now that his contract is up, the fans are demanding him back. However, his contract might be heavy but so far this off-season, the team may as well throw their year away. More on Lin and if keeping him would be a PR dream.

If they want to keep their fans happy, The Knicks should keep him on the bench until the fourth quarter (losing or winning)

Steve Nash to save the Raps?

WELL, maybe not.

Steve Nash is expected to sign with the Raptors later this week. Two problems: where does this get the team when he retires and is he good enough to win them a championship?

Don't get me wrong, Steve Nash is still one of the best players in the league today. But, this isn't 2005 anymore. There's no Dirk or Finley. Instead, Demar Derozan and Andrea Bargnani will have to do. His 2 MVP winning seasons had players that could start on any team.

However, Captain Canada (Nash) still brings a lot to the table.
Most notably: Publicity!
His personality is enough to reignite a fire underneath Raptors fans to actually go to a game and maybe even cheer.
His talent will be suspect in his final few years but he will be one of the most popular people in Canada (if he isn't already). Toronto has become a dead basketball city in need of revitalization, starting with improving the public eye and ending with a championship.

However, I don't think he will last more than three seasons and his last will be riddled with injuries; but I wish him the best if he chooses the Raps. If they make the playoffs any of those seasons, I will be impressed and surprised. I highly doubt they would make a deep playoff run, never mind a birth.

The last Rap's game I saw, also looked like this:

BREAKING NEWS: STEVE NASH SIGNS WITH TEAM LIQUID:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xRr6FT6DaA