Jeremy Lin, the former New York Knicks guard who once took the NBA by storm, has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball.
The 36-year-old revealed his decision on Instagram, closing the book on a career that spanned nine seasons in the NBA and six more overseas.
Lin shared a heartfelt message in his announcement:
“As athletes, we are always aware that the possibility of retirement is never far away. I’ve spent my 15 year career knowing that one day I would have to walk away, and yet actually saying goodbye to basketball today has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made.
It’s been the honor of a lifetime to compete against the fiercest competitors under the brightest lights and to challenge what the world thought was possible for someone who looks like me. I’ve lived out my wildest childhood dreams to play in front of fans all around the world. I will forever be the kid who felt fully alive everytime I touched a basketball.
So many people have sacrificed and poured into my journey, more than I could ever repay. Thank you all for believing in me, for walking with me, for celebrating my highs and picking me up in my lows. This is a ride I never wanted to end but I know it’s time. I will forever miss playing basketball in front of you all but our time will go beyond just playing. Here’s to what’s ahead. Love you all.”
Lin’s breakout moment, remembered simply as “Linsanity,” came in February 2012 when he erupted for 25 points against the New Jersey Nets, 28 against the Utah Jazz, and 23 points plus 10 assists versus the Washington Wizards.
He reached a peak with 38 points against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, cementing his status as a global sensation.
Though he never returned to those heights, Lin carved out a respectable journeyman career, suiting up for multiple teams before winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He became the first Asian-American to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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