Jeremy Lin, who engineered what was later dubbed as "Linsanity" in New York, won an NBA title with Toronto and captured two domestic titles with the New Taipei Kings in Taiwan.
Jeremy Lin announced his retirement after a colorful 15-year professional basketball career that saw him strut his stuff from the NBA to the world.
In a post on social media on Sunday, August 31, Lin called it the most difficult decision of his life.
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“As athletes, we are always aware that the possibility of retirement is never far away,” he said.
“I’ve spent my 15 year career knowing that one day I would have to walk away, and yet actually saying goodbye to basketball today has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made.”
The 37-year-old will be best remembered for what was dubbed as "Linsanity" that took the NBA — and the world — by storm in the 2011-12 season with the New York Knicks.
Lin rose to fame after a series of legendary performances for the Knicks, beginning with a 25-point, 5-rebound, 7-assist performance in a 99-92 win against New Jersey Nets in Feb. 2012.
Thus began a two-week craze that also included a 38-point outing against the late great Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
After his stint with New York, he jumped from team to team before being a member of the Toronto Raptors when they won their maiden NBA championship in 2019.
He then took his talents overseas, fittingly finishing his career in Taiwan.
“It's been the honor of a lifetime to compete against the fiercest competitors under the brightest lights and to challenge what the world thought was possible for someone who looks like me,” said the Taiwanese player, who recently steered the New Taipei Kings to the TPBL championship and was named Finals MVP.
Including last season's win in the P.LEAGUE+, Lin will end his career as back-to-back champions with the Kings, alongside his brother Joseph.
“I’ve lived out my wildest childhood dreams to play in front of fans all around the world. I will forever be the kid who felt fully alive everytime I touched a basketball.”
To wrap up his post, Lin expressed his gratitude to everyone who has been with him every step of the way.
“So many people have sacrificed and poured into my journey, more than I could ever repay. Thank you all for believing in me, for walking with me, for celebrating my highs and picking me up in my lows,” he said.
“This is a ride I never wanted to end but I know it’s time. I will forever miss playing basketball in front of you all but our time will go beyond just playing. Here’s to what’s ahead.”
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