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‘I Didn’t Get It Done, But I Have No Regrets.’ Jeremy Lin Says Goodbye To The NBA

Jamie Ferrell Jamie Ferrell - Senior Staff Writer •

‘I Didn’t Get It Done, But I Have No Regrets.’ Jeremy Lin Says Goodbye To The NBA

Lin’s professional career appears to be ending after 9 years.

Bay Area legend Jeremy Lin posted a farewell last night to his famous NBA career on Twitter and Instagram. 32-year-old Lin, who was raised in Palo Alto, most recently played for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League.

Lin’s farewell came from a place of disappointment as “the chance never materialized” for him to get a contract and “blow it out of the water.” Read the full message below:

May 16th. In my mind was an imaginary circle around this date for an NBA callup. The final deadline.
After a year in the CBA where I overcame mental barriers from my past, I KNEW I was still an NBA player. Teams all asked if I still had the hunger, health and skill to hang in the NBA. They wanted to see me hoop in-person.

So I gave up a season overseas to go down to the G League – a move few vets dare make. Ive always known I need to jump through extra hoops to prove I belong so this was par for the course. Im really proud of what I accomplished – I killed it in the G League and objectively showed it being a league leader in all categories a PG should and shooting career-highs across the board.

For months, I saw others get contracts, chances, opportunities. I told myself I just need ONE ten-day contract, one chance to get back on the floor and I would blow it out the water. After all that’s how my entire career started – off one chance to prove myself.

For reasons I’ll never fully know, that chance never materialized. But I proved Im better than ever and an NBA player. And like I’ve said before…dream big dreams, risk big heartache.

Im blessed and had an NBA career beyond my wildest dreams. I had the luxury of taking a year to chase a dream w/o worrying about paying bills. My family, friends, business partners all waited on me as I gave up being a go-to player in China to go back to the G League.

To the next generation of Asian American ballers – man, I so wish I could have done more on the NBA court to break more barriers – esp now – but you guys got next. When you get your shot, do NOT hesitate. Don’t worry whether anyone else thinks you belong. The world never will. If theres any chance to doubt, they will. But when you get your foot in the door, KICK THAT DOOR DOWN. And then bring others up with you.

I didnt get it done, but I have no regrets. I gave my ALL and hold my head high. As for whats next, I trust what God has in store for me. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Thanks to everyone who’s rolled w me on this journey. I love my squaddd ❤️

Lin’s career took off in 2012 when playing for the New York Knicks. His early success was dubbed “Linsanity” as he led the Knicks to victory during the 2011-2012 season.

Lin, who is Taiwanese-American, also made headlines this year during the uptick in anti-Asian hate crimes. He revealed, “Being a 9 year NBA veteran doesn’t protect me from being called “coronavirus” on the court.” Lin has long been an inspiration to AAPI folks with athletic aspirations, hence his encouragement for future “Asian American ballers” to “kick that door down.”

People took to Twitter to say goodbye to Lin and acknowledge his legacy:

Chinese media outlets reported that Lin may make an appearance in the Chinese Basketball Association.

 

[Featured Image: zhangjin_net via Shutterstock]

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