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Nice point about the tax difference. It’s big.
What’s more, Houston is more likely to tailor its whole offense to Lin’s style of play. That makes a big difference. Lin wasn’t nearly as effective in NYC once the Knicks’ “proven stars” returned.
And the notion of Houston (post-Yao Ming) being the best gateway to the Chinese market is huge. In optimal circumstances, Lin ends up being one of the 20 biggest NBA endorsement names in the U.S., but probably not top five. He has a very excellent chance of doing way better than that in China. If Houston helps him optimize his China income (which can be sheltered offshore in the most charming ways), then that’s the Harvard-smart way to put it all together.
I do want to go on record, though, as saying that Randall Lane is a very smart man and this post does nothing to diminish his stature in the eyes of all his fellow writers, editors, contributors, etc.
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Good stuff, Mr. Anders…The key, though, is Lin needs to win. That’s where his magic comes from…Right now, the team looks pretty rough, especially contrasted with the $ benefits of winning in NY. but Houston gets Dwight Howard, you might be due your 15%…
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Houston, a LOW PROFILE City!? So that was not Yao Ming I saw doing commercials while playing there?
Last I recall, metro Houston had as many Fortune 500 companies and HIGH Profile NYC! And the State of Texas has more than state of NY. Plenty of marketing opportunites.
Houston’s population is as diverse as NYC, including a significant asian community.
I don’t remember the Knicks offering him a 5 year deal.
Lin is closer to home, can buy twice the house in Houston that he could in NYC for less money and pays no city and state income tax as he would playing for the Knicks.
And with a 3 year deal, if he pans out as hoped, he goes back into the Free Agent market for EVEN bigger bucks!
University of Houston Business School