Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets arrived in Taipei at 4 in the morning, but that didn’t stop enthusiastic fans from greeting the Taiwanese American player, reports the Ultimate Rockets
Fans screamed at the first sighting of Lin at the airport when he boarded the bus to go to the hotel with the rest of the team.
But the big question on basketball fans’ minds is will Lin start for the Rockets this season.
Coach Kevin McHale has said he will rotate Lin and Patrick Beverley in the starting line up to experiment with different options. Lin came off the bench in the last preseason game in the Philippines and scored 14 points.
Beverley is considered the better defender and often replaced Lin in fourth quarters of games last season. Lin would give the Rockets an added offensive spark plug off the bench.
There have been those who say Lin’s style doesn’t match that of shooting guard James Harden. But on the other hand, Lin’s style matches better with new center Dwight Howard. McHale will have to learn to juggle egos. No doubt Harden last season demanded the ball and expected it. Howard didn’t leave the Lakers to come to Houston to watch Harden go isolation every time down the court.
The Rockets will need a good point guard to distribute the ball and keep both Howard & Harden happy. Lin is an unselfish player and the chemistry can work if McHale gives Lin that opportunity.
This will be an interesting season for the Rockets with expectations higher than ever with the addition of Howard. The biggest pressure may be on McHale who will be expected to take the Rockets to the championship.