Posted Aug 5 2012 1:00PM
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- On the first trip to his parents' native Taiwan since emerging from basketball obscurity to become one of the NBA's biggest stars, Jeremy Lin has pledged to remain true to himself and not be overwhelmed by the fame that accompanies the phenomenon that is "Linsanity."
Showing his modesty, Lin said Sunday he hopes to inspire other people to play basketball, just as former Chinese NBA star Yao Ming inspired him.
Lin recently left the New York Knicks for Yao's former team, the Houston Rockets. He was born and raised in the United States. But his maternal grandmother is from China and his parents are from Taiwan. The NBA can expect Lin to generate huge business from the vast Chinese-speaking world because of his Asian lineage.
Lin evaded the touchy question of whether he's Chinese or Taiwanese, saying only "there's a lot of history behind who I am."
The point guard averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists in 35 games (25 starts) for the Knicks last season.
 | GameTime: Pacers-Heat Game 1 Steve Smith and Isiah Thomas discuss the Heat's overtime win in Game 1 and what the Pacers' need to focus on for Game 2. |
 | GameTime: Stopping Parker Steve Smith and Isiah Thomas breakdown how the Grizzlies need to slow down Tony Parker for Game 3. |
 | All-NBA Teams Steve Smith and Isiah Thomas discuss the first, second and third All-NBA teams. |
 | Andersen's Energy A look at the energy Chris "Birdman" Andersen has brought to the Miami Heat for the postseason. |
 | Preview: Phil Jackson Interview A preview of Rachel Nichols' interview with coaching legend Phil Jackson. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
