There are huge expectations for Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin in the 2016-17 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. However, he was not included in the recent Sports Illustrated list featuring its top 100 players in the league for 2017. 

This can be a little surprising to some especially after Lin topped the ranking USA Today Sports' HoopsHype released in July where the starting point guards in the league were listed. 

In a report by FanSided's Nothin' But Nets, an explanation by Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated was cited. There it was discussed why Lin was omitted from the recent list. 

"It's merely an acknowledgment that Lin's offerings in the last year were both helpful and a cut below some of the league's most impactful players," Mahoney stated. 

It likely means that Lin's efforts in his previous outing were insufficient for them to add him on the list, despite the fact that he was a crucial piece for the Charlotte Hornets' success and resurgence in the 2015-16 season. 

The Hornets were surprise contenders in the Eastern Conference last season mainly because of the improvements and additions made to the squad. Lin was among those, emerging as one of the best reserve point guards in the league. 

Now with the Nets, Lin again needs to prove doubters wrong and show that he is an elite player in the NBA today, while at the same time also trying to live up to the expectations. 

Lin is likely starting for the Nets and for the first time in his career, might be a go-to-guy. Together with the face of the franchise, center Brook Lopez, they are viewed as leaders of the squad for the new campaign. 

The Nets and Lin open the new season on Oct. 26 at the TD Garden, visiting the Boston Celtics.