Early Life and Education of Jeremy Lin: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jeremy Lin. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

August 23, 1988: Jeremy Lin's Birth

On August 23, 1988, Jeremy Shu-How Lin was born. He is a Taiwanese-American former professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2008: All-Ivy League Second Team

In his sophomore season (2007-08), Jeremy Lin averaged 12.6 points and was named to the All-Ivy League Second Team.

2009: All-Ivy League First Team selection

During the 2009-10 season, Jeremy Lin was a consensus selection for the All-Ivy League First Team.

2010: Graduation from Harvard

In 2010, Jeremy Lin graduated from Harvard with a degree in economics and a 3.1 grade-point average.

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.

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.

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: Appearance in 'Free to Play' Documentary

In 2014, Jeremy Lin appeared in 'Free to Play', a documentary centered around the video game Dota 2, where he described the game as a "way of life".

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.

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.

2016: Forms J.Storm Dota 2 Team

In 2016, Jeremy Lin established his own professional Dota 2 team, named J.Storm.

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.

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.

February 1, 2020: CBA season postponed due to COVID-19

On February 1, 2020, the CBA postponed the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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: Lin speaks out against anti-Asian racism

During an NBA Together Virtual Roundtable held in May 2020, Jeremy Lin further spoke out against anti-Asian racism.

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.