Jeremy Lin: Rockets Star Under Immense Pressure to Succeed in Houston Return

Jeremy Lin is under immense pressure to succeed in his second go-around as a Houston Rockets guard because of his emergence as a star last season, and the expensive new contract he signed as a free agent this summer.

After receiving a three-year deal after just one good season in the Big Apple, Rockets fans hope that Lin can bring the success he had with the New York Knicks to Houston.

The Rockets haven't made the playoffs in three years, and since 1997, the team has made the playoffs just six times. In those six trips, Houston has advanced past the first round just once.

Without superstar talents such as Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire around him anymore, Lin will be one of the first options in the Rockets offense next season. Maybe even the first option.

He will be needed to score, run the offense and lead the fast break on a young team with many rookies and second-year players.

Lin's offensive production will also be expected to rise in many stat categories this year in Houston. He should be able to score 20-plus points per game on the Rockets, which would be an impressive jump from his 14.2 points per game average last season.

Not having to deal with the New York media and the spotlight that comes from playing in that kind of city could also help Lin. Even if Lin doesn't get the same kind of national attention in Houston that he used to receive in New York, the local media and the fans will demand immediate results. The city is starving for basketball success.

Now that Lin will become the star of a team with few elite talents, he will have to deal with the responsibility of being the leader of the Rockets, and arguably the team's best player. It's easier being the third option to Anthony and Stoudemire than it is to be the No. 1 guy.

Lin has become one of the most popular athletes, and will be under a lot of pressure to play well and help the Rockets return to the NBA playoffs. His performance will affect the Rockets' on-and-off the court success for years to come.