by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

It took four teams and 12 players to pry Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic. The Los Angeles Lakers’ newest star commanded more attention than nearly every other player to switch teams this offseason combined. This makes sense: Howard is the best center in the NBA, and he went to perhaps the most popular team.

The Houston Rockets’ addition of guard Jeremy Lin after the New York Knicks decided not to match a three-year, $25 million offer sheet commanded attention, too, just as everything else involving Lin. He will be looked to for leadership as the Rockets try to rebuild.

“It kind of reminds me of college, just coming in, trying to lead, trying to work hard, trying to build a culture of playing a blue-collar brand of basketball,” said Lin, who played at Harvard and is back with one of the teams that released him.

USA TODAY Sports looks at Lin and others ready to make an impact in a new town:

Jeremy Lin

The buzz follows Lin everywhere, but the Rockets need his production. They cut ties with solid point guards Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic to build around Lin. He also has been clear that he has plenty more to learn. After all, he has played in 64 career games. “For me, I see it as a beginning,” he said during the Rockets’ media day. “I’m very young in terms of learning.” Does “Linsanity” have staying power?

Andrew Bynum

The 7-footer was the key piece of the Howard trade with the Lakers. Bynum was criticized for demanding the ball in Los Angeles, but that won’t be a problem with the Philadelphia 76ers as he becomes the star of a team that made the playoffs last season. Bynum should establish himself as the second-best center in the NBA. But Bynum hasn’t practiced and may not be available for the regular season opener.

Andre Iguodala

The London Olympics gold medalist should be the perfect floor general for the Denver Nuggets’ sorely lacking defense after arriving in the Howard trade. He was out of place with the Sixers, a versatile, elite role player forced to be the star. But … [For more on Jeremy Lin, Andrew Bynum lead relocated NBA stars, click here.]