How Houston Rockets' Jeremy Lin Can Ensure a Rise to NBA Stardom in 2012-13

Jeremy Lin's decision to join the Houston Rockets has been analyzed, scrutinized and dissected in just about every way imaginable.

Lin has a well-documented story. He went from complete obscurity to instant sensation to being king of New York for a second to getting his own word, Linsanity.

His rise to stardom was unexpected. He can never sneak up on anyone again. Now comes the time to play a full season where he knows he will have a chance to really shine.

How can he ensure that he becomes a legit star?

First and foremost, he has to stay healthy. A knee injury sidelined him near the end of last season. As big of a star as he became, imagine if he had been at full strength and able to play against the eventual champion Miami Heat in the playoffs.

Had he been able to hold his own and make some plays for the overmatched New York Knicks in the postseason, his star power would have been even stronger. A full season with a clean bill of health will ensure the opportunity for big things for Lin in 2012-13.

Second, things on the court must take care of themselves. Lin has to realize what an enormous bull's-eye he will have all season long. He is a very nice, level-headed young guy who has received more attention in a shorter amount of time than anyone could have imagined.

All of that attention isn't going to sit well with opposing teams and point guards. Teams are going to go at him relentlessly from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

Attempts will be made to exploit his each and every weakness. Everyone is going to want to be the next in line to say they locked down Linsanity. If he shows that he's up to the challenge, it will send a message that he won't back down or be intimidated.

Finally, assuming things on the court go as planned, Lin will want to try to decrease his turnovers on a nightly basis. His 3.6 turnovers a game would have tied him for fifth most in the league with Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook had he played in enough games.

The increased minutes will lead to more touches and time with the ball in his hands. The chances for miscues will no doubt increase as well. If he is able to shave a little bit off of his turnover totals, it will go a long way toward helping him establish chemistry with the rest of his teammates.

Jeremy Lin realizes all of this just as we all do. If all goes well, he'll show the league that last year wasn't a fluke.

Once this happens, his stardom will only continue to rise.

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