Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik to Stay, Isaiah Canaan, Robert Covington and BJ Young to Join Roster

May 1, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets center Omer Asik (3) attempts a free throw after being fouled repeatedly by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets’ general manager Daryl Morey announced Saturday in a press conference that since the additions of former Los Angeles Laker Dwight Howard, the core of the team’s roster should remain the same.

Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik had expressed concern over playing with Howard, but Morey said Houston plans to keep both the guard and the center.

“The reality is James [Harden] and Dwight [Howard] want to play with Jeremy [Lin] and Omer [Asik],” the Rockets GM said. “They’re going to be here.”  Morey also said that he will be the assistant GM for the 2013-2014 season.

Speaking of Asik, Howard said, “I would tell him when I see him, ‘You’ve done a great job on this team.  I’m going to help you and this team get better.’”  Howard also said that he sees himself teaming up with Lin and Asik as key to winning titles.

Three new players have also come to terms with the team: Isaiah Canaan of Murray State, rookie free agent Robert Covington of Tennessee State and rookie free agent BJ Young of Arkansas.  Canaan was the 34^th overall pick in the NBA Draft this year and averaged 15.5 points over four seasons at Murray State.  Covington and Young both played with the Rockets at the 2013 Orland Pro Summer League and averaged 12.4 and 11.8 points, respectively.