Jeremy Lin News: Linsanity Pumped Up for Big Second Half After NBA All-Star Snub

Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin might have missed the bus to New Orleans for NBA All-Star Weekend, but the three-day hiatus should be enough for him to put up a strong surge towards the end of the regular season.

Lin, who is averaging 13.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, has been a key cog for the star-studded Rockets, giving his team a much needed boost off the bench.

Despite his solid play in his second season with the Rockets, Lin fell short of sealing a spot in the Western Conference All-Star starters as he finished fourth in the backcourt fan voting behind Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Los Angeles Clippers playmaker Chris Paul.

There were reports that Lin could be a replacement to the injured Bryant, but to no avail; newly-appointed Commissioner Adam Silver decided to pick New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, who represented the host city on Sunday.

Nevertheless, this shortcoming doesn't appear likely to affect the mindset of the 25-year-old Lin, who has apparently found the perfect role on the loaded Rockets squad.

Though the possibility of being traded before the Feb. 20 deadline remains high, Lin has proved time and time again that he can excel the most when everybody counts him out.

"Just trying to be aggressive, just trying to play free and trying to be myself out there," Lin said after the Rockets' 101-95 victory over Milwaukee last week at the BMO Harris Bradley Center via NBA Hangtime Blog. "That's the biggest thing, just embrace whatever role they give me, big or small."

Rockets star James Harden also recognized Lin's contributions and he believes the more his teammate gets used to his role off the bench, the more Lin will get comfortable on the floor.

"He's doing a great job," Harden said of Lin. "He's getting a feel for the game before he checks in, and once he checks in, he's being aggressive and making the right plays. The more games he can get used to coming off the bench, the better off he'll be."