Retiring at 37, basketball star Jeremy Lin, a Taiwanese-American trailblazer in the NBA, calls it a career

Jeremy Lin Announces Retirement After Remarkable Basketball Career

Jeremy Lin, a trailblazing basketball player of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, announced his retirement from the sport on Saturday night. The 37-year-old athlete had an illustrious career that spanned over a decade, during which he challenged the norms and achieved feats that many thought were impossible for someone who looked like him.

Lin's journey began in 2010 when he became the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA, with the Golden State Warriors. However, his tenure with the Warriors was short-lived, as he was dropped during the 2011-2012 pre-season. He was then claimed and waived by Houston before being claimed by the Knicks on December 27, 2011.

It was with the Knicks that Lin truly made his mark. He made his first NBA start against Utah and sparked a seven-game win streak for the team. During this period, popularly known as "Linsanity," Lin averaged an impressive 22.5 points and 8.7 assists. He achieved his first NBA double-double with 23 points and 10 assists in a win over Washington.

One of his most memorable moments with the Knicks came when he sank the game-winning three-pointer in the last second against Toronto. Lin also scored a career-high 25 points in a game against New Jersey.

After leaving the Knicks, Lin played for multiple NBA teams, including Houston, the Lakers, Charlotte, Brooklyn, Atlanta, and Toronto. He achieved his greatest success with the Toronto Raptors, becoming the first American of Taiwan or China heritage to win an NBA title with the team in 2019.

Lin's final chapter in professional basketball was written in the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL). He played for the New Taipei Kings in his last season, where he won the championship in the 2024–25 season and was named both the Finals MVP and league MVP.

Throughout his career, Lin competed against some of the fiercest competitors under the brightest lights. His resilience and determination were evident as he overcame numerous challenges. In 2019, Lin had knee surgery to end his breakthrough season with the Knicks, but he continued to push through and achieve greatness.

Reflecting on his career, Lin stated that retiring from basketball was the hardest decision he has ever made. Despite the challenges, he leaves behind a legacy of inspiring others and breaking barriers.

Lin's impact extended beyond the court, as he served as a role model for Asian Americans and people of Asian descent. He challenged what the world thought was possible for someone who looks like him, and his retirement marks the end of an era for basketball fans all around the world.