Think what you want Lin haters, but Lin has put the Rockets back on the National TV map. 25 mil might be alot but getting some attention is all worth it.
Recap: Craig Ackerman- What are you hearing? -Majority of Rockets brass still in the dark. Reports are out there that Knicks won't match. Rox brass saying "believe it when I see it." What do you mean they are in the dark? -My understanding is they haven't been officially notified. Until that becomes reality the Knicks can change their mind. Reports have left door slightly open. Cautiously optimistic. $25 million is the contract. What are Rox hoping to get? -Well they need a starting caliber PG. Lost Lowry and Dragic needed to replace them. Small sample size granted, but during sample he proved he could play at high level. Hopes going forward are that they'll get that player. Perspective as to why he wanted to be Rocket and not Knick? -Not sure. Knicks were hamstrung in what they could offer due to the RFA status. Best interest to shop himself on market. Rockets amended offer to try to make Knicks to make a tough decision. Rockets have worked with marketing giant in Yao. How does that prepare them for Lin? -ROX were Asia's team when Yao was around. Game against YI was viewed by 200 million people. Many of Yao's teammates got big marketing deals with China. Rox has lost some popularity with Yao's retirement, but Lin can help recapture some of that market. This will draw big reaction. Is there genuine excitement in Houston? -Oh no doubt about it. Nobody saw this coming last year. ROX wanted to keep Lin last year and liked him to be their 3rd PG. Funky short training camp messed things up. Didn't get to see him enough and wanted to keep trade chip Johnny Flynn's contract. Knicks were within 24 hours of cutting him as well.
ESPN wants a front row seat to bash Jerry if he becomes a Rocket and Praise Jeremy if he remains a Knick?
It really wasn't important enough to look for a stream. It was Craig (play by play guy for us) calling in. Gist of it was that despite the reports out there right now the Rockets haven't heard anything and are basically saying "believe it when I see it" about the Knicks not matching.
