Jeremy Lin speaks to the media at Las Vegas Summer League

Jeremy Lin may not be playing in the Las Vegas Summer League, but he did take the trip to support his team. As Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson have mentioned several times before, the Nets want character guys.

The Nets new point guard also didn't back off on what he sees as his biggest role, telling reporters, "I have to lead."

Lin spoke to reporters for the first time since signing with the Nets, Saturday during Brooklyn's first summer league game. One theme: how his relationship with Atkinson helped him decide where he wanted to play. No surprise there.

Lin on Coach Atkinson: "I have a relationship with him. We go way back. We've spent lots of hours in the gym before." #Nets

— Howard Chen 陳定豪 (@TheHoChen) July 9, 2016

Lin on what attracted him to #Nets: "A chance to really see what I can do & playing for a coach that I know who believes in me."

— Howard Chen 陳定豪 (@TheHoChen) July 9, 2016

The big takeaway, however, comes from this next quote on how Lin isn't shying away from the leadership role.

@JLin7: "I understand what my role is. Im the playmaker, Im the point guard. Ive got to lead, Ive got to be an extension of the coach" #Nets

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) July 9, 2016

Brook Lopez needs somebody that can take some pressure off him on AND off the court, especially in the New York market. Not to mention, Atkinson needs a guy like Lin to take the keys and morph into some sort of captain's role.

It's also refreshing to hear Lin expressing  humility and gratitude.

Lin on flashbacks while being here at #SummerLeague today: "It just reminds me of how far I've come." pic.twitter.com/UylNLmmLnm

— Howard Chen 陳定豪 (@TheHoChen) July 9, 2016

Lin also recorded a Vine for Nets fans...

We like what we're hearing so far, especially when having a coach like Atkinson who stresses the importance of a point guard.

• Jeremy Lin of Brooklyn Nets ready to 'embrace' challenge of being starting point guard - Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPN
• Jeremy Lin: No one has been more impacted by Yao Ming than me - Ohm Youngmisuk- ESPN
• Nets have their own plan for Jeremy Lin, who’s over Linsanity - Brian Lewis - New York Post
• Lin Supports Nets Squad in Summer League Action - Kathryn Przbyla - Brooklyn Nets