Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Shu-How Lin (Chinese: 林書豪; born August 23, 1988) is a retired American professional basketball player of Taiwanese descent.[1] A point guard who played college basketball at Harvard University, Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA draft before signing with the Golden State Warriors.[1] He achieved national prominence in February 2012 with the New York Knicks, where he started in the lineup and led the team to seven consecutive victories while averaging 20.9 points, 8.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game over 14 appearances, an outburst termed "Linsanity."[2] Lin appeared in 480 regular-season NBA games across nine seasons with eight teams—the Warriors, Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors—compiling career averages of 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.[3] His tenure included a 2019 NBA championship with the Raptors, though limited by injury.[4] After departing the NBA in 2019, Lin competed in China's CBA and Taiwan's leagues, securing titles with the Beijing Ducks and New Taipei Kings, before announcing his retirement on August 30, 2025.[5] As the first U.S.-born player of Taiwanese heritage to reach the NBA, Lin's career highlighted perseverance amid initial obscurity and racial stereotypes in professional sports.[1]Early Life
Family Background and Upbringing
Jeremy Lin was born on August 23, 1988, in Torrance, California, to Taiwanese immigrant parents Gie-Ming Lin and Shirley Lin (née Xinxin Wu).[6] His father hailed from Beidou in Changhua County, Taiwan, with Hoklo Taiwanese ancestry, while his mother's family originated from Pinghu in Zhejiang Province, China, before migrating to Taiwan in the 1940s.[7] [8] The family holds dual U.S. and Republic of China (Taiwan) citizenship.[7] Lin's parents emigrated from Taiwan to the United States in the mid-1970s, with his father arriving first and receiving support from siblings who forwent education for work to fund his journey.[9] Gie-Ming met Shirley, also a Taiwanese emigrant, at Old Dominion University in Virginia, where they pursued studies in engineering and computer science; the couple later lived briefly in Indiana before settling in California.[6] [7] Lin and his two brothers—older sibling Josh and younger sibling Joseph—grew up in Palo Alto in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the family navigated immigrant challenges including language barriers and early exposure to anti-Asian racism, such as racial slurs directed at Lin during a sixth-grade basketball game.[7] [9] The Lins maintained a devout Christian household, regularly attending church and instilling religious values that shaped Lin's worldview and perseverance.[6] [7] His father introduced basketball to the brothers at a young age, fostering their skills despite the parents' modest heights, while emphasizing discipline and academics alongside athletics in line with immigrant priorities for opportunity and self-reliance.[7] [8] Shirley's support extended to personal sacrifice, including withdrawing from her 401(k retirement savings to finance Lin's post-Harvard NBA draft training for two years, enabling his professional pursuit without his initial knowledge of the financial strain.[9]High School Career
Jeremy Lin attended Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto, California, playing varsity basketball for four seasons from his freshman to senior year under coach Peter Diepenbrock.[10] Initially planning to enroll at nearby Henry Gunn High School after middle school at Jane Lathrop Stanford, Lin transferred to Palo Alto to prioritize academics and basketball development through summer camps.[10] As a freshman in 2002–03, he played junior varsity before contributing to the varsity playoffs, including hitting three consecutive three-pointers in a key game.[10] His junior year in 2004–05 featured strong performances, such as in the Central Coast Section (CCS) semifinals against Sequoia, but ended with a postseason ankle injury and a NorCal playoff loss.[10][11] Lin's senior season in 2005–06 marked his breakout, as he captained the Vikings to a 32–1 record, CCS championship, NorCal title, and CIF Division II state championship, defeating nationally ranked Mater Dei 51–44 in the final where he scored 17 points with 8 rebounds.[12][10][11] He averaged 15.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.0 steals per game, showcasing all-around play that emphasized defense, passing, and efficiency over high-volume scoring.[11][12] For these efforts, Lin earned first-team Cal-Hi Sports All-State honors, San Jose Mercury News and San Francisco Chronicle Player of the Year awards, and status as one of seven finalists for Mr. Basketball State Player of the Year, though he was edged for the CIF Division II state player award by Taylor King's higher scoring average.[11][10] Despite his team's dominance and individual versatility, Lin received no NCAA Division I athletic scholarship offers, graduating with a 4.2 GPA before walking on at Harvard University.[12][10]College Career
Harvard University Performance
Jeremy Lin played point guard for the Harvard Crimson men's basketball team from 2006 to 2010, starting in 109 of 115 games and contributing to the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in his senior year.[13] His career averages were 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, with a field goal percentage of 48.1%.[14] Lin became the first player in Ivy League history to accumulate at least 1,450 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals over his career, finishing with 1,483 points, 487 rebounds, 406 assists, and 225 steals.[13] Lin's performance improved each season, peaking as a junior before a slight dip as a senior amid increased defensive attention.[14]| Season | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–07 (Freshman) | 28 | 4.8 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 1.0 | .415 |
| 2007–08 (Sophomore) | 30 | 12.6 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 1.9 | .448 |
| 2008–09 (Junior) | 28 | 17.8 | 5.5 | 4.3 | 2.4 | .502 |
| 2009–10 (Senior) | 29 | 16.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 2.4 | .519 |
| Career | 115 | 12.9 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 2.0 | .481 |
Academic Achievements and Decision Rationale
Lin was admitted to Harvard University in 2006 with strong academic qualifications from Palo Alto High School, including a 4.2 GPA and SAT scores of 2060, featuring a perfect score in mathematics and an 800 on the SAT II Math 2C exam.[15] At Harvard, he majored in economics, maintaining a 3.1 GPA and earning recognition on the Ivy League Honor Roll for the 2009–10 season.[16][13] He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics upon graduating in June 2010, prioritizing academic completion alongside his athletic commitments.[17] Lin's decision to attend Harvard stemmed from a deliberate emphasis on academic prestige over potential athletic scholarships elsewhere, as Ivy League institutions do not offer such aid.[18] Despite a standout high school career that included first-team all-state honors and a California state championship, he received no Division I scholarship offers from major programs like those in the Pac-10 conference, which instead sought him as a walk-on.[19] Harvard and Brown were the only schools guaranteeing him a roster spot for Division I basketball, aligning with his family's value on education and his goal to balance rigorous academics with competitive play.[20] This choice reflected a long-term perspective, forgoing immediate athletic prominence for Harvard's intellectual environment, which he later reflected had limited direct career utility in professional basketball but underscored his commitment to personal development beyond sports.[21]Professional Career
NBA Debut and Golden State Warriors (2010–2011)
After going undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft on June 24, Lin signed a two-year partially guaranteed minimum contract with the Golden State Warriors on July 21, worth approximately $1.23 million.[22][23] As a Palo Alto native, Lin joined his hometown team, providing depth at point guard behind Stephen Curry and others.[1] Lin's NBA debut occurred during the 2010–11 regular season, with his first significant playing time coming later amid injuries to teammates.[1] He appeared in 29 games, primarily in limited roles, averaging 9.8 minutes per game.[24] To gain experience, Lin was assigned to the Warriors' NBA Development League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns, where he performed well, scoring 10 points in his first game there on an unspecified date early in the season.[25] In his rookie season statistics with Golden State, Lin averaged 2.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43.6% from the field but struggling with efficiency overall due to inconsistent minutes and jump shot form.[26][24] His playing time increased toward the end of the season as he earned more trust from coaches, though he remained a bench player in a crowded backcourt.[27] Critics noted his hustle and defensive effort but highlighted needs for improved shooting consistency.[28]Linsanity with New York Knicks (2011–2012)
Following his waiver by the Golden State Warriors on December 24, 2011, Jeremy Lin signed a two-year contract with the New York Knicks on December 27, 2011, joining the team as a backup point guard.[29] Initially, Lin received limited playing time, appearing in 12 games off the bench through January 2012, averaging 1.6 points and 1.3 assists in under 10 minutes per game.[30] Lin's breakout occurred on February 4, 2012, when injuries to point guards Baron Davis and Toney Douglas elevated him to the starting lineup against the New Jersey Nets. He recorded 25 points and 7 assists, leading the Knicks to a 99-92 victory.[31] This performance ignited "Linsanity," a media frenzy highlighting Lin's rapid ascent as an undrafted Asian-American player. Over the next nine games, Lin started all contests, averaging 20.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, as the Knicks achieved 8 wins, including a seven-game winning streak—their longest of the season.[32] Key highlights included 28 points and 8 assists in a win over the Utah Jazz on February 6, and a career-high 38 points with 7 assists in a 92-84 upset over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10.[33] The streak propelled the Knicks from a 8-15 record to .500, with Lin's play drawing national attention for its efficiency and leadership.[32] On February 20, against the Miami Heat, Lin scored only 2 points before suffering a torn left pectoral muscle, sidelining him for three weeks.[31] He returned on March 20, contributing modestly in the regular season's remainder, as the Knicks finished 36-30 and qualified for the playoffs. In the postseason, Lin averaged 7.4 points and 2.4 assists across five games, with the Knicks eliminated by the Heat in the first round.[30] Overall, in 35 games with the Knicks during the 2011-12 season, Lin averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 26.6 minutes per game.[34] His restricted free agency culminated on July 17, 2012, when the Knicks declined to match a three-year, $25 million offer sheet from the Houston Rockets, ending his tenure in New York.[35]Houston Rockets Tenure (2012–2014)
Following the conclusion of his tenure with the New York Knicks, Jeremy Lin signed a three-year offer sheet worth $25.1 million with the Houston Rockets on July 14, 2012, structured with escalating salaries of approximately $5 million in year one, $5.2 million in year two, and $14.9 million in year three.[36] The New York Knicks, burdened by the contract's "poison pill" provision that front-loaded financial commitments under the NBA's luxury tax rules, opted not to match the offer, allowing Lin to join Houston officially on July 17, 2012.[37][38] This move positioned Lin as the starting point guard alongside emerging star James Harden, under head coach Kevin McHale, in a backcourt designed for complementary ball-handling and pick-and-roll efficiency.[39] In the 2012–13 regular season, Lin appeared in all 82 games, starting every contest, and posted averages of 13.4 points, 6.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 44.1% from the field.[1] His play contributed to the Rockets' 45–37 record and their first playoff appearance since 2009, though Lin's efficiency drew scrutiny for high turnover rates (3.8 per game) and inconsistent three-point shooting (32.5%).[1] In the Western Conference First Round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Lin suffered a bruised chest muscle in Game 2, limiting him to just four games with diminished output of 4.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game on poor 25.0% field goal shooting, as Houston fell in six games.[40][1] During the 2013–14 season, Lin transitioned to a sixth-man role amid Harden's ascension as primary ball-handler, appearing in 71 games (18 starts) with averages of 12.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, alongside improved three-point shooting at 35.5%.[1] A highlight came on February 20, 2014, when Lin recorded the first triple-double off the bench in Rockets history (21 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds) against the Philadelphia 76ers.[41] The Rockets improved to 54–28, securing the fourth seed, but Lin averaged 11.3 points and 4.3 assists across six playoff games versus the Portland Trail Blazers, shooting 41.0% from the field in a series loss marked by Houston's fourth-quarter collapses.[1][42] Lin's Rockets stint emphasized his utility in a star-driven system, yielding two playoff berths but highlighting limitations in defensive versatility and perimeter creation relative to Harden's dominance. On July 11, 2014, Houston traded Lin, along with Omer Asik and draft assets, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a salary-clearing move to pursue further roster upgrades.[43]Later NBA Teams (2014–2019)
Lin joined the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2014 via a sign-and-trade acquisition from the Houston Rockets.[1] During the 2014–15 season, he appeared in 74 games (starting 30), averaging 11.2 points, 4.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 25.0 minutes per game, while shooting 41.9% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range.[1] Lin's production improved late in the season, particularly in March 2015, when he averaged 14.4 points and 5.4 assists over 14 games.[44] The Lakers ended the year with a league-worst 17–65 record.[45] In July 2015, Lin signed as a free agent with the Charlotte Hornets.[1] Over the 2015–16 season, he played in 32 games (starting 7), posting averages of 10.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 40.8%.[1] His stint was cut short by a hamstring injury in December 2015, limiting him to just over two months of action; prior to the injury, he averaged 10.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in October and November.[46] The Hornets reached the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Miami Heat. Lin signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2016.[1] Injuries hampered his tenure, beginning with a knee injury in the 2016–17 season opener that sidelined him for several months; he returned in January 2017 and finished with 36 games (all starts), averaging 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 25.2 minutes, shooting 43.0% from the field.[1] In 2017–18, another knee injury limited him to 20 games (starting 18), where he averaged 11.9 points and 5.0 assists in 24.9 minutes.[1] Lin exercised his $12.5 million player option for 2018–19 to remain with the Nets.[47] During the 2018–19 season, Lin played 36 games for the Nets before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks on February 7, 2019, in exchange for future draft considerations.[1] With the Hawks, he appeared in 51 games (starting 4), averaging 10.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 46.6% and true shooting of 52.3%.[1] The Hawks finished 29–53, outside the playoffs. Lin's overall 2018–19 output across both teams reflected steady bench production amid roster changes and limited starts.[48]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | RPG | FG% | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | LAL | 74 | 25.0 | 11.2 | 4.6 | 2.6 | .419 | [1] |
| 2015–16 | CHO | 32 | 18.5 | 10.9 | 3.4 | 2.0 | .408 | [1] |
| 2016–17 | BKN | 36 | 25.2 | 14.5 | 5.1 | 3.9 | .430 | [1] |
| 2017–18 | BKN | 20 | 24.9 | 11.9 | 5.0 | 2.6 | .458 | [1] |
| 2018–19 | BKN/ATL | 82* | 20.8* | 10.9* | 3.5* | 2.5* | .466* | [1] |
Overseas Leagues and Championships (2019–2025)
Following the end of his NBA tenure, Lin signed a three-year, $3 million contract with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in August 2019.[49] In the 2019–20 CBA season, he appeared in 39 regular-season games, averaging 22.3 points, 5.6 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, while ranking ninth in league scoring with 871 points.[50] The Ducks advanced to the playoffs, where Lin averaged 22.8 points and 5.8 assists over four games, but they were eliminated in the semifinals by the Guangdong Southern Tigers with a 2–1 series loss.[51] Lin returned to the Beijing Ducks for the 2021–22 season, playing 23 regular-season games and averaging 13.4 points, 4.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.[50] In the playoffs, he contributed 17.0 points per game across two appearances before the team exited early.[50] He then joined the Guangzhou Loong Lions for the 2022–23 CBA season, limited to seven games due to injuries, where he averaged 6.9 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game.[50][52] In 2023, Lin signed with the New Taipei Kings of Taiwan's P.League+ (PLG), marking his transition to Taiwanese professional basketball.[53] The Kings won the 2024 PLG championship, securing Lin's first professional title outside the NBA.[54] Following a league reorganization into the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL), Lin led the New Taipei Kings to the 2024–25 TPBL regular-season MVP award and the inaugural TPBL championship, defeating opponents in a seven-game finals series on June 29, 2025.[55][56] He was named Finals MVP, averaging 22.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in the series, describing it as the toughest title of his career.[57][58]Retirement Announcement (2025)
Jeremy Lin announced his retirement from professional basketball on August 30, 2025, via a heartfelt Instagram post, marking the end of a 15-year career that included nine seasons in the NBA and subsequent play in overseas leagues.[5][59] In the post, Lin described the decision as "the hardest decision" he had ever made, expressing gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for supporting him through the highs and lows of his journey.[59][60] The announcement came shortly after Lin's New Taipei Kings won the 2025 Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) championship, capping a period of success in Asian leagues following his NBA tenure.[61] Lin, who had continued competing at a high level abroad despite not returning to the NBA since 2019, reflected on the personal growth and faith that guided his path, emphasizing that his identity extended beyond basketball.[5] He also shared the post on Sina Weibo, reaching his Chinese fanbase, where he reiterated themes of perseverance and purpose.[62] Lin's retirement drew immediate tributes from NBA figures and media, highlighting his 2012 "Linsanity" surge with the New York Knicks as a cultural milestone that elevated Asian-American representation in the sport.[63] At age 37, he chose to step away on his terms, avoiding a potential decline in performance, and expressed interest in future endeavors blending business, philanthropy, and ministry.[64][65]International Career
National Team Participation
Following his naturalization as a Taiwanese citizen on August 20, 2020, Jeremy Lin became eligible to represent Chinese Taipei (Taiwan's designation in FIBA competitions) in international basketball events.[66][67] This development raised expectations for his potential involvement, given his heritage—his parents emigrated from Taiwan to the United States—and his professional stature as a former NBA player.[66] Despite eligibility, Lin did not participate in any FIBA-sanctioned national team competitions. For instance, during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers in February 2024, speculation arose about his inclusion for Chinese Taipei's matchup against the Philippines, but he and his brother Joseph ultimately did not suit up.[68][69] Prior to naturalization, Lin had explored U.S. national team opportunities but was not selected for Olympic or World Cup rosters, reflecting the competitive depth in American basketball.[70] Lin's decision to forgo national team duties aligned with his commitments to professional club play, including stints in the Chinese Basketball Association and later the Taiwan Professional Basketball League, where he prioritized domestic and regional club success over international representation.[71] No official statements from Lin or the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association confirmed participation in training camps or exhibition games for the national squad before his retirement announcement on August 31, 2025.[72]Key Tournaments and Outcomes
Jeremy Lin became eligible to represent Chinese Taipei in international competitions following his acquisition of a Taiwanese passport, based on his mother's ancestry from the island.[66] Despite this, he did not compete in any FIBA-sanctioned senior national team tournaments, including the FIBA Asia Cup, FIBA World Cup qualifiers, or Olympic qualifying events.[50] Conflicts with NBA schedules during key qualification windows, such as those overlapping his 2010–2019 league tenure, precluded participation, as national team duties would have required extended absences from club obligations.[73] No verified records exist of Lin suiting up for Chinese Taipei in official FIBA competitions, resulting in zero tournament outcomes attributable to his involvement. Taiwanese basketball officials expressed interest in enlisting him post-Linsanity in 2012, but logistical barriers and Lin's focus on NBA career progression prevented realization.[74] This absence contrasts with his club-level success in Asian leagues later in his career, where he contributed to domestic titles but outside national team contexts.[50]Playing Style and Statistics
Player Profile and Strengths
Jeremy Lin, a Taiwanese-American professional basketball player, primarily operated as a point guard, occasionally shifting to shooting guard, standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall and weighing 200 pounds (91 kg).[1] He shoots right-handed and honed his skills at Harvard University before entering the NBA undrafted in 2010.[1] Lin's profile emphasized his intellectual approach to the game, derived from rigorous academic and athletic preparation, enabling him to excel in high-pressure scenarios through preparation and adaptability.[75] Lin's key strengths included exceptional quickness and explosiveness, allowing rapid directional changes that disrupted defenses, as noted by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.[76] His deceptive athleticism and strength facilitated effective drives to the rim and finishes in traffic, particularly in pick-and-roll situations where he maintained dribble control to penetrate aggressively.[77] Lin demonstrated high basketball IQ through unselfish play, precise passing, and court vision, often setting up teammates via smart reads off drives or screens.[78] Additionally, his ability to execute mid-range jumpers and catch-and-shoot opportunities complemented his slashing style, contributing to efficient scoring bursts.[79] These attributes peaked during his 2011-2012 Knicks stint, where he averaged 17.4 points and 9.2 assists over 25 games, showcasing sustained impact.[1]Career Statistical Breakdown
Jeremy Lin's professional basketball career in the NBA encompassed nine seasons across eight teams, totaling 480 regular-season games with averages of 11.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, while shooting 44.4% from the field, 33.9% from three-point range, and 80.5% from the free-throw line.[1] His scoring peaked during the 2011–12 season with the New York Knicks, where he averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists in 35 games amid limited but high-impact minutes following his emergence from the bench.[1] Career totals include 5,687 points, 2,112 assists, and 1,290 rebounds, reflecting a role as a secondary playmaker with efficient but volume-limited usage.[1]| Season | Team(s) | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | RPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | GSW | 29 | 9.8 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 1.2 | .389 | .200 |
| 2011–12 | NYK | 35 | 27.0 | 14.6 | 6.2 | 3.1 | .446 | .320 |
| 2012–13 | HOU | 82 | 32.2 | 13.4 | 6.1 | 3.0 | .441 | .339 |
| 2013–14 | HOU | 71 | 28.9 | 12.5 | 4.1 | 2.6 | .446 | .358 |
| 2014–15 | LAL | 74 | 25.8 | 11.2 | 4.6 | 2.6 | .424 | .369 |
| 2015–16 | CHO | 78 | 26.3 | 11.7 | 3.0 | 3.2 | .412 | .336 |
| 2016–17 | BKN | 36 | 24.5 | 14.5 | 5.1 | 3.8 | .438 | .372 |
| 2017–18 | BKN | 1 | 25.0 | 18.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | .417 | .500 |
| 2018–19 | ATL/TOR | 74 | 19.4 | 9.6 | 3.1 | 2.4 | .440 | .294 |
| Career | 480 | 29.0 | 11.8 | 4.4 | 2.7 | .444 | .339 |