Asian Heritage Athletes in America Feature: Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin, born in Torrance, California, on August 23, 1988, is a former professional basketball player who was one of the most unexpected stars in NBA history. Standing 6’3” and weighing 200 pounds, Lin’s path to the league was anything but easy. After going undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he began his career with the Golden State Warriors but struggled to find a significant role early on.

Lin’s breakthrough came during the 2011-2012 season with the New York Knicks, where his sensational performances led to the phenomenon known as “Linsanity.” Despite initially being a bench player, Lin stepped into the spotlight. Over a remarkable 26-game stretch, he averaged 20.9 points and 8.4 assists per game, regularly leading his team in both categories. As the season progressed, Lin settled into his starting role and eventually helped the Knicks be the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. However, his injuries sidelined him for the rest of the season. During the next seasons of his career, Lin signed with the Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks, and Rockets, primarily as a backup. When the Raptors won the NBA Championship in 2019, Lin became the first Asian American to earn an NBA championship ring. Lin’s clutch performances throughout his career, including game-winning shots and dominant displays against top teams, cemented his status as a cultural icon and fan favorite.

Jeremy Lin retired in 2021 after a career that spanned the NBA, international leagues, and the G-League. Beyond basketball, Lin is focusing on education, social justice, and creating opportunities for underprivileged communities in Taiwan and China.

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