Lin says Nets' anthem demonstration was about solidarity

The Brooklyn Nets became the latest NBA team to join arms during the national anthem before Thursday's preseason win over the Detroit Pistons, and Jeremy Lin stressed the move was about promoting a unified message during what most agree has become a troubled period in social history.

"I think right now what we're seeing is - it's not everywhere - but there has been some division and increased hostility, and that to me is almost one step forward and two steps back," Lin told ESPN's Mike Mazzeo. "It's about solidarity, and it's not lip service too."

The Toronto Raptors were the first team to demonstrate in the same manner before the NBA preseason opener last weekend.

"I think we can all acknowledge that there is an issue at hand, but how you go about it is really what we tried to do: arms around each other, solidarity, doing it together," said Lin. "This isn't anti-cops. This country needs cops. This country isn't anti-minorities. This country needs minorities. This is what makes our nation great. We need both, and we need compassion and more sympathy where guys can really take the time to put themselves in someone else's shoes."

Lin spoke out last month on how he is treated as an Asian-American athlete.

"I want to help shape the world and change the world," he said.