Concluding Chapter for Lin: Jeremy Lin Announces Retirement Following Notable Basketball Journey
Jeremy Lin, the trailblazing NBA player who defied stereotypes and made history as the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to reach the league, has announced his retirement from basketball.
Lin's illustrious career spanned 15 years, during which he played for several notable teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and the New York Knicks, among others.
After being passed over in the 2010 NBA draft, Lin signed as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors. However, his career truly took off when he was cut by both the Warriors and the Houston Rockets in 2011. A chance with the New York Knicks at the end of the year would set the stage for one of the most memorable periods in basketball history.
The "Linsanity" Era
Lin's performance with the Knicks propelled the team to a seven-game winning streak in 2012, a period known as "Linsanity." During this time, he became the first NBA player to score at least 20 points and provide seven assists in each of his first five starts. His electrifying play on the court made him an international phenomenon.
One of the most iconic moments of Lin's career came during his "Linsanity" run when he hit a winning 3-pointer against the Toronto Raptors with less than a second left on the clock.
Achievements Beyond the NBA
Lin's basketball career extended beyond the NBA, with stints in China's Beijing Ducks and Guangzhou Loong Lions, and Taiwan's Kaohsiung Steelers. He ended his career in 2025 as the MVP and Finals MVP of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) while leading the New Taipei Kings to the championship. No one else ended their career as MVP; Lin earned these honours himself in his final season.
Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
Time magazine named Lin as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012, recognising his impact on and off the court. His career also saw him becoming the first Asian American player to win an NBA championship while with the Toronto Raptors.
A Heartfelt Farewell
In his retirement post, Lin expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, mentioning that he will miss playing basketball in front of the fans but looks forward to what's ahead. He also hinted that his time with basketball may not be fully over, suggesting a future beyond just playing.
Lin's retirement decision was the hardest he has ever made, he said, but he is ready for the next chapter of his life. Despite hanging up his jersey, Lin's impact on basketball and its fans will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come.
