Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jeremy Lin

Discover the career path of Jeremy Lin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jeremy Lin is a Taiwanese-American professional basketball player currently playing for the New Taipei Kings. He rose to prominence in 2012 with the New York Knicks, leading a remarkable turnaround that became known as "Linsanity." Lin holds the distinction of being the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA and the first Asian American player to win an NBA championship, achieving this feat with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2006: Won California Interscholastic Federation Division II state title

In 2006, during his senior year, Jeremy Lin captained Palo Alto High School and led them to a 32–1 record, winning the California Interscholastic Federation Division II state title.

July 21, 2010: Signed two-year deal with Warriors

On July 21, 2010, Jeremy Lin signed a two-year deal with his hometown team, the Golden State Warriors. He also signed a three-year guaranteed contract with Nike.

2010: Joined Mavericks for mini-camp and Summer League

In 2010, Jeremy Lin joined the Dallas Mavericks for mini-camp as well as their NBA Summer League team in Las Vegas after going undrafted.

2010: Signed with Golden State Warriors

In 2010, Jeremy Lin signed with his hometown team, the Golden State Warriors, after going undrafted out of college.

January 14, 2011: Named to All-NBA D-League Showcase First Team

On January 14, 2011, Jeremy Lin was named to the All-NBA D-League Showcase First Team while playing for the Reno Bighorns.

September 2011: Played for Dongguan Leopards

In September 2011, Jeremy Lin played a few games for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) club Dongguan Leopards at the ABA Club Championship in Guangzhou, China, where he was named the MVP of the tournament.

December 9, 2011: Waived by the Warriors

On December 9, 2011, the Warriors waived Jeremy Lin to free up salary cap space.

December 12, 2011: Claimed off waivers by the Houston Rockets

On December 12, 2011, Jeremy Lin was claimed off of waivers by the Houston Rockets.

2011: Waived by Warriors and Rockets, joined Knicks

In 2011, Jeremy Lin was waived by both the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets before joining the New York Knicks early in the 2011–12 season.

February 10, 2012: Contract Guarantee Date

February 10, 2012, was the date when Jeremy Lin's contract with the Warriors would have become fully guaranteed, before he was waived.

February 2012: Promotion to Knicks Starting Lineup

In February 2012, Jeremy Lin was promoted to the starting lineup for the New York Knicks and subsequently led the team on a seven-game winning streak.

2012: Knicks didn't match Rockets' offer

In 2012, the Knicks did not match the Houston Rockets' offer to Jeremy Lin, leading to his departure from the team; Lin deduced the team's decision when they signed Raymond Felton instead.

February 2013: Improved performance and All-Star selection

In February 2013, Jeremy Lin's scoring, shooting percentage, and 3-point percentage improved after the All-Star break, and he was selected to compete in the Skills Challenge during All-Star Weekend. The New York Times reported that he was "fitting in well" with the Rockets.

February 1, 2014: Lin records first career triple-double

On February 1, 2014, Jeremy Lin recorded his first career triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in 29 minutes off the bench. The Houston Rockets secured a 106–92 home victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

July 13, 2014: Lin traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 13, 2014, Jeremy Lin, along with a first-round and a second-round draft pick, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers by the Houston Rockets in exchange for the rights to Serhiy Lishchuk. This move was made by the Rockets to clear cap space in their attempt to sign free agent Chris Bosh.

2014: Content Partnership with Whistle Sports Network

In 2014, Jeremy Lin became a content partner with Whistle Sports Network, adding his YouTube channel with roughly 400,000 subscribers in exchange for an undisclosed equity stake, making him the first athlete from one of the four major sports leagues in the United States to produce content for the digital sports platform.

January 23, 2015: Lin benched by the Lakers

On January 23, 2015, Lakers coach Byron Scott promoted rookie Jordan Clarkson to start over Ronnie Price and chose not to play a healthy Jeremy Lin in a blowout loss to San Antonio. Lin had previously played in each game of the season.

July 9, 2015: Lin signs with the Charlotte Hornets

On July 9, 2015, Jeremy Lin signed a two-year, $4.3 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets, who used their bi-annual exception in the deal. He was projected to back up Hornets point guard Kemba Walker.

March 21, 2016: Lin leads Hornets to comeback victory over San Antonio

On March 21, 2016, Jeremy Lin scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead jumper with 48 seconds remaining, to help Charlotte rally from a 30–7 deficit in the second quarter for a 91–88 comeback victory over San Antonio.

July 1, 2016: Lin becomes an unrestricted free agent

On July 1, 2016, Jeremy Lin became an unrestricted free agent after declining his $2.2 million player option for the 2016–17 season.

July 7, 2016: Lin signs with the Brooklyn Nets

On July 7, 2016, Jeremy Lin signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, led by head coach Kenny Atkinson.

October 2016: Donates to Harvard University

In October 2016, Jeremy Lin donated $1 million to Harvard University to support undergraduate financial aid and renovations to Lavietes Pavilion.

October 26, 2016: Lin debuts for the Brooklyn Nets

On October 26, 2016, Jeremy Lin made his debut for the Brooklyn Nets in their season opener against the Boston Celtics, scoring 18 points in a 122–117 loss.

December 12, 2016: Lin returns to action after hamstring strain

On December 12, 2016, Jeremy Lin returned to action for Brooklyn after missing time due to a strained left hamstring. He scored 10 points in a 122–118 loss to the Houston Rockets.

2016: Formation of J.Storm Dota 2 Team

In 2016, Jeremy Lin formed his own professional Dota 2 team, known as J.Storm.

2016: Stars in Comedy Central's Viralocity

In 2016, Jeremy Lin starred in an episode of the Comedy Central series Viralocity, playing a heightened version of himself.

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February 24, 2017: Lin returns to Nets' starting lineup

On February 24, 2017, Jeremy Lin was back in the starting lineup for the Brooklyn Nets after missing 26 games with a hamstring strain. He scored seven points in a 129–109 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

April 6, 2017: Lin scores a season-high 32 points

On April 6, 2017, Jeremy Lin scored a season-high 32 points in a 115–107 loss to the Orlando Magic.

October 18, 2017: Lin suffers season-ending injury

On October 18, 2017, during the Nets' season opener against the Indiana Pacers, Jeremy Lin suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

July 13, 2018: Lin traded to the Atlanta Hawks

On July 13, 2018, Jeremy Lin was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, along with draft picks, in exchange for the draft rights to Isaia Cordinier and a future second-round pick. He was acquired to mentor rookie point guard Trae Young.

February 11, 2019: Hawks waive Lin

On February 11, 2019, the Atlanta Hawks waived Jeremy Lin after finalizing a buyout.

February 13, 2019: Lin signs with the Toronto Raptors

On February 13, 2019, Jeremy Lin signed with the Toronto Raptors after clearing waivers, joining a playoff contender.

May 28, 2019: Releases Music Video with MC Jin

On May 28, 2019, Jeremy Lin collaborated with rapper MC Jin on the single "The First Opponent", and the music video was released on YouTube.

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August 2019: Signed with Beijing Ducks

In August 2019, Jeremy Lin left the NBA and signed with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

August 27, 2019: Lin signs with the Beijing Ducks

On August 27, 2019, Jeremy Lin signed with the Beijing Ducks of the CBA for a reported $3 million per year.

2019: NBA Championship with Toronto Raptors

In 2019, Jeremy Lin became the first Asian American player to win an NBA championship, achieving this milestone with the Toronto Raptors.

February 2020: Donation and Stance Against Racism Related to COVID-19

In February 2020, Jeremy Lin donated ¥1 million (approximately $144,370) to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spoke out against racism related to the outbreak, emphasizing compassion and empathy.

April 2020: Donates to COVID-19 Relief Efforts

In April 2020, Jeremy Lin donated $500,000 to Direct Relief and Feeding America to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also pledged to match donations up to an additional $500,000 and encouraged unity in an article for The Players' Tribune.

May 2020: Speaks Out Against Anti-Asian Racism

During an NBA Together Virtual Roundtable in May 2020, Jeremy Lin further spoke out against anti-Asian racism, urging empathy, thoughtful communication, and calling out ignorant behavior.

November 2020: Signature Shoe Released

In November 2020, Jeremy Lin, in partnership with Xtep, released a signature shoe called Xtep JLin One, which was available in Asia.

December 19, 2020: Warriors plan to sign and release Lin

Golden State planned to sign and release Jeremy Lin on December 19, 2020, to secure his G League rights for Santa Cruz, but they were initially unable to obtain a clearance letter from the Ducks.

2020: Santa Cruz announces addition of Lin

On January 9, 2021, Santa Cruz announced that Jeremy Lin had been added to their team for the 2020–21 season through the new NBA veteran exception rule.

January 9, 2021: Santa Cruz announces addition of Lin

On January 9, 2021, Santa Cruz announced that Jeremy Lin had been added to their team for the 2020–21 season through the new NBA veteran exception rule.

June 11, 2021: Lin returns to the Beijing Ducks

On June 11, 2021, Jeremy Lin announced that he was returning to the Beijing Ducks in the CBA.

2021: Played with Warriors' development team

In 2021, Jeremy Lin played with the Warriors' development team, attempting to return to the NBA.

2022: Played with Guangzhou Loong Lions

In 2022, Jeremy Lin returned to the CBA and played with the Guangzhou Loong Lions.

January 26, 2023: Lin signs with the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers

On January 26, 2023, Jeremy Lin signed with the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers of the P. League+ in Taiwan, joining his brother, Joseph.

April 23, 2023: Lin records 50-point triple-double

On April 23, 2023, Jeremy Lin became the first player in Taiwan's PLG history to record a 50-point triple-double, with 50 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.

September 19, 2023: Lin signs with the New Taipei Kings

On September 19, 2023, Jeremy Lin signed with the New Taipei Kings of the P. League+, joining his brother Joseph on the team.

2023: Joined PLG's Steelers

In 2023, Jeremy Lin left the Loong Lions midseason and joined PLG's Steelers.

September 2, 2024: Lin extends contract with the New Taipei Kings

On September 2, 2024, Jeremy Lin signed a one-year player option contract extension with the New Taipei Kings of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL).