(Jeremy) Lin’s value as a marketing force, tapping into either the vast Asian community in New York or the Rockets’ ties from the Yao Ming years, can add to his value, the executive said, but the basketball considerations must come first.

“I think Jeremy has proven that he’s a starter in the league,” the executive said. “In the right situation, with the right coach, the right spacing, you have to account for his production in the paint. I think Houston will use him in the right way. If nothing happens with injury or something like that, he can be a good player.

“I’m sure at some level the Asian market factored into Houston’s decision. It’s probably ancillary. He has to stand on his basketball merit. Once they make the basketball evaluation, the branding evaluation will be helpful in finding the right contract number. They did well.”

via Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle