Jeremy Lin has officially announced his retirement, closing the book on a remarkable 15-year professional basketball journey. From the NCAA to the NBA, from the global burst of Linsanity to lifting an NBA championship trophy, later writing new chapters in the CBA and ending the chapter in TPBL (Taiwan), Lin’s career stands as one of the most inspiring stories in modern basketball.
From “Linsanity” to NBA Champion
Lin’s run in the NBA spanned 9 seasons across 8 different teams, with 480 total appearances. In 2019, he became the first Asian American player to win an NBA championship ring as part of the Toronto Raptors’ historic run.
That unforgettable February in 2012 remains etched in basketball history. Thrust from obscurity, Lin exploded onto the scene with 25 points and 7 assists in his breakout game, followed by 28 and 8 in his first start. He outdueled top pick John Wall (23 PTS, 10 AST), dropped 38 against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers at Madison Square Garden as fans chanted “MVP,” and sank a cold-blooded game-winner in Toronto. For weeks, Linsanity swept the globe, showing that an Asian guard could carry a franchise on the sport’s biggest stage.
Lin later brought his talents to Asia, joining the Chinese Basketball Association and eventually returning to Taiwan. In the twilight of his career, he secured a Finals MVP in Taiwan, closing his journey with one last crowning achievement.
Jeremy Lin’s legacy reaches far beyond the stat sheet. He inspired millions across Asia and the world, shattering stereotypes and proving that overlooked and underestimated players can still rise to the very top.
What Comes Next? Time for Family
Family has always been central in Jeremy Lin’s life. He once described winning a championship alongside his brother in Taiwan as “a lot more fun than the NBA title.” Achieving that dream near the end of his career allowed him to retire without regrets. For now, Lin is taking time to be with his family, the people who have supported him from the very beginning.
