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 former professional basketball player who triggered the 'Linsanity' phenomenon while playing for the New York Knicks in 2011-2012. As the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent in the NBA, he broke barriers and inspired many. Lin also became the first Asian American player to win an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, cementing his place in basketball history.

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 to a 32-1 record and won the California Interscholastic Federation Division II state title, upsetting the nationally ranked Mater Dei 51-47.

July 21, 2010: Signed with Golden State Warriors and Nike

On July 21, 2010, Jeremy Lin signed a two-year deal with the Golden State Warriors and 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 and their NBA Summer League team in Las Vegas after going undrafted.

2010: Signed with Golden State Warriors

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

June 2011: Considered for Taiwan national team

In June 2011, the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) considered Jeremy Lin for inclusion in the Taiwan national team's preliminary squad for the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship.

July 2011: Advised against participation due to injury

In July 2011, the CTBA announced that Jeremy Lin would not participate in competitions due to a knee injury and advice from the Golden State Warriors medical team.

September 2011: Played in CBA Club Championship

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 Golden State Warriors

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

December 12, 2011: Claimed by Houston Rockets

On December 12, 2011, Jeremy Lin was claimed off 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 4, 2012: Lin's jersey becomes best-selling online in the league

In the week of February 4, 2012, Jeremy Lin's jersey became the best-selling online in the NBA, and the Knicks became the best-selling team.

February 2012: Promotion to Knicks' starting lineup

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

April 2012: Lin had the second highest selling jersey in the league

For the one-year period ending April 2012, Jeremy Lin had the second highest selling jersey in the league behind Derrick Rose.

July 2012: Madison Square Garden Company's market capitalization rose by $600 million

By July 2012, the market capitalization of the Madison Square Garden Company, the Knicks' owner, rose by $600 million due to Lin's performance.

2012: Joins Knicks and Lives with Brother

After joining the Knicks in 2012, Jeremy Lin initially slept on a couch in his brother's one-bedroom apartment located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City.

2012: Knicks declined to match Rockets offer

During the 2012 offseason, The Knicks encouraged Lin to seek other offers, but declined to match the Rockets offer. Lin then deduced the team's decision when they signed Raymond Felton instead.

2012: Lin's performance and challenges in 2012

Following his star turn for the Knicks in 2012, Jeremy Lin battled inconsistency and injuries, despite establishing himself as a strong offensive player, improving his outside shooting, and becoming difficult to defend due to his ability to draw fouls.

2012: Lin trademarked the word Linsanity

In 2012, Jeremy Lin trademarked the word Linsanity to prevent others from profiting from his likeness.

2012: Lin named to USA Basketball Men's Select Team

In 2012, Jeremy Lin was named to the USA Basketball Men's Select Team to scrimmage against the U.S. Olympic team candidates, but he did not participate due to his restricted free agent status with the Knicks.

January 20, 2013: Linsanity documentary premiered

On January 20, 2013, a documentary film about Jeremy Lin, titled "Linsanity", premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

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February 2013: Fitting in well with the Rockets

In February 2013, after the All-Star break, The New York Times reported that Jeremy Lin was "fitting in well" with the Houston Rockets.

February 1, 2014: First career triple-double

On February 1, 2014, Jeremy Lin, playing for the Houston Rockets, recorded his first career triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 106–92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

July 13, 2014: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 13, 2014, Jeremy Lin was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers along with draft picks in exchange for Serhiy Lishchuk's rights, as the Rockets aimed to free up cap space to sign Chris Bosh.

2014: Lin becomes content partner with Whistle Sports Network

In 2014, Jeremy Lin became a content partner with Whistle Sports Network, adding his YouTube channel in exchange for an equity stake.

January 23, 2015: Bench demotion

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

July 9, 2015: Signed with Charlotte Hornets

On July 9, 2015, Jeremy Lin signed a two-year, $4.3 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets, where he was expected to back up point guard Kemba Walker.

March 21, 2016: Led comeback victory against San Antonio

On March 21, 2016, Jeremy Lin scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning jumper, to help the Charlotte Hornets rally from a 30–7 deficit to defeat San Antonio 91-88.

July 1, 2016: 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 with the Charlotte Hornets.

July 7, 2016: Signed with Brooklyn Nets

On July 7, 2016, Jeremy Lin signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, led by coach Kenny Atkinson, his former assistant coach with the Knicks during Linsanity.

October 2016: Lin 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: Nets debut

On October 26, 2016, Jeremy Lin debuted for the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 18 points in 27 minutes as a starter in a 122–117 loss against the Boston Celtics.

December 12, 2016: Returned from hamstring injury

On December 12, 2016, Jeremy Lin returned to the Brooklyn Nets after missing time due to a strained left hamstring. He scored 10 points in 20 minutes off the bench during a 122–118 loss to the Houston Rockets.

2016: Lin stars in Viralocity episode

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: Return to starting lineup after hamstring strain

On February 24, 2017, Jeremy Lin returned to the Brooklyn Nets' starting lineup after missing 26 games with a hamstring strain. He played under 15 minutes, scoring seven points and five assists in a 129-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

April 6, 2017: Season-high 32 points

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

October 18, 2017: Season-ending injury

On October 18, 2017, Jeremy Lin suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during the Brooklyn Nets' season opener against the Indiana Pacers, ending his season.

July 13, 2018: Traded to the Atlanta Hawks

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

February 11, 2019: Waived by the Hawks

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

February 13, 2019: Signed with Toronto Raptors

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

May 28, 2019: Lin collaborates with MC Jin on "The First Opponent"

On May 28, 2019, Jeremy Lin collaborated with fellow Asian-American rapper MC Jin on the single "The First Opponent". 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: Signed with 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 won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, becoming the first Asian American player to achieve this milestone.

February 2020: Lin donates to COVID-19 relief efforts

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

April 2020: Lin donates to Direct Relief and Feeding America

In April 2020, Jeremy Lin donated $500,000 to the nonprofits 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.

May 2020: Knicks re-broadcast Linsanity games

In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the Knicks re-broadcast a week of Linsanity games on the MSG Network. Lin expressed that he was floored by the gesture, as the Knicks aimed to uplift everyone during a tough time in New York.

November 2020: Lin releases signature shoe with Xtep

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

December 19, 2020: Golden State unable to secure G League rights

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

January 9, 2021: Joined Santa Cruz Warriors

On January 9, 2021, Jeremy Lin was added to the Santa Cruz Warriors team for the 2020-21 season through the new NBA veteran exception rule.

June 11, 2021: Returned to Beijing Ducks

On June 11, 2021, Jeremy Lin announced his return to the Beijing Ducks in the CBA.

2021: Played with Warriors' development team

In 2021, Jeremy Lin attempted to return to the NBA by playing with the Golden State Warriors' development team.

January 26, 2023: Signed with Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers

On January 26, 2023, Jeremy Lin signed with the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers of Taiwan's P. League+ (PLG), where his brother, Joseph, played for the New Taipei Kings.

April 23, 2023: 50-point triple-double in PLG

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

September 19, 2023: Signed with New Taipei Kings

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

2023: Joined Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers and signed with New Taipei Kings

In 2023, Jeremy Lin joined Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers of the P. League+ (PLG) and later signed with the New Taipei Kings.

September 2, 2024: Contract extension with New Taipei Kings

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