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Do Jeremy Lin and Lin-sanity have an approaching expiration date?

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Amare Stoudemire is slated to return to the New York Knicks on Tuesday, with Carmelo Anthony rejoining him in the lineup as soon as the end of the week.

So long, Lin-sanity?

A Western Conference executive, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss players publicly, said Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin would have a hard time maintaining his recent production once his more high-profile teammates are folded back into the lineup.

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“It’s going to be at the forefront of his mind that he has to get the All-Stars involved,” the executive said. “I think he’s a skilled player and a talented player, but I’d be extremely surprised if he could keep up his current pace statistically once you add those guys back into the mix.”

Lin has averaged 26.8 points and eight assists in the last five games -- all Knicks victories -- mostly with Stoudemire and Anthony sidelined. Stoudemire left the team to be with his family following the death of his brother and Anthony strained his right groin.

Anthony said Monday that he could fit in well with Lin, even though Anthony tends to prefer isolation situations as opposed to the more ball-movement-oriented offense run by Lin.

What surprised the executive most about Lin, he said, is his foot speed and ability to score inside.

“Not only is he getting in the paint,” the executive said, “he’s finishing against NBA length and athleticism, which I certainly did not predict.”

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-- Ben Bolch

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