Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks playmaker who became an instant icon in February, finished second to NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose in jersey sales over the past year, the NBA said onThursday.

Annual sales figures released at the end of each season showed Chicago star Rose, who climbed from fifth on last year's list to No 1 over the past 12 months, on top with Lin, who only came to prominence two months ago, in second.

No overall jersey sales figures were released by the league and the sales figures came only from internet purchases and those made at the NBA Store in New York.