Jeremy Lin’s name is forever etched in basketball history—not just for his skills on the court, but for the global cultural phenomenon he sparked in 2012. As the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA, and the first Asian-American player to win an NBA Championship, Lin broke barriers and redefined representation in professional sports. Now retired from the NBA and playing his final years overseas, Lin has built a career — and life — rooted in persistence, faith, and impact.
Early Life and Family Foundation
Jeremy Shu-How Lin was born on August 23, 1988, in Torrance, California, and raised in Palo Alto. Now 36 years old, Lin grew up in a Taiwanese-American household with his parents, Shirley and Gie-ming Lin, and two brothers, Josh and Joseph. His father introduced the game of basketball to all three sons at their local YMCA, instilling both discipline and a love for the sport.
Lin’s mother, Shirley, also contributed significantly to his development, even helping start a National Junior Basketball program in their area. Jeremy later became a star at Palo Alto High School, leading his team to a state title and earning All-State honors. Despite his accomplishments, top programs like Stanford declined to offer him a scholarship.
Ivy League Grind: Harvard Years
Rejected by big-name basketball schools, Lin accepted an academic offer from Harvard University, where he studied economics while dominating on the court. Lin was the only NCAA Division I player during his junior year to rank in the top ten in his conference for points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He was a two-time All-Ivy League First Team selection and became the first Ivy League player to ever record at least 1,450 points and 450 rebounds.
His 30-point game against UConn brought him national attention, but he remained undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft—likely due to both his background and Ivy League status.
Undrafted to Unforgettable: NBA Entry and “Linsanity”
Lin signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2010 but played limited minutes and was frequently assigned to the NBA’s Development League. In 2011, after short stints with the Rockets, Lin joined the New York Knicks. Initially placed deep in the bench rotation, he was given a chance to start in early 2012 due to an injury to Baron Davis.
What followed became one of the most electrifying streaks in NBA history: Lin led the Knicks to seven straight wins, averaging over 20 points and 8 assists. Dubbed “Linsanity,” the run transformed Lin into an international sensation. He was featured on the covers of TIME and Sports Illustrated, earned an ESPY for Breakthrough Athlete, and was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2012.
Big Contracts and Career Movement
Following the 2012 season, Lin signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Houston Rockets. He averaged solid numbers in Houston but was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by stints with the Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks.
While with the Brooklyn Nets, Lin battled injuries but still put up career-best shooting percentages and scoring averages when healthy. In 2017, however, a ruptured patellar tendon limited his playing time dramatically.
Championship Moment with the Raptors
In early 2019, after being waived by Atlanta, Lin joined the Toronto Raptors, where he became the first Asian-American player to win an NBA Championship. Although his role was limited, the title represented a significant milestone both personally and historically.
Final Playing Years and Retirement
Lin moved to China’s Beijing Ducks in 2019, becoming one of the Chinese Basketball Association’s most prominent international players. In his first CBA season, he averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Though still effective on the court, Lin also used this time to mentor younger players and reflect on the next phase of his life.
In 2021, Lin briefly returned to the U.S., joining the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G-League. He played well but did not receive another NBA contract. In 2023, Lin unofficially stepped away from professional play, hinting at retirement and focusing more on mentorship, philanthropy, and content creation.
Net Worth and Endorsements
Jeremy Lin has amassed a net worth of approximately $36 million as of 2024. While he earned around $65 million in total salary during his NBA career, his financial success also stems heavily from endorsements, which brought in over $50 million during his peak years.
Early in his career, Lin signed with Nike, and although the deal was modest at the time, it later grew in value as “Linsanity” took off. His popularity in Asia and among global fans also led to partnerships with Adidas, Volvo, and other major brands.
At one point, Lin’s jersey became the top-selling NBA jersey worldwide, although the NBA’s collective revenue-sharing system meant he didn’t personally benefit much from those sales.
Off the Court: Faith, Privacy, and Impact
Lin is known for being deeply religious and private. A devout Christian, he has spoken often about how his faith helped him through setbacks, injuries, and racial stereotyping. He’s also used his platform to speak out against anti-Asian hate, especially in the wake of increased violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the Jeremy Lin Foundation, he has invested in underprivileged youth, supported social justice efforts, and provided educational scholarships. Lin has also produced content for YouTube and participated in documentaries aimed at increasing Asian-American representation in media and sports.
Legacy and What’s Next
Jeremy Lin may no longer be on the hardwood, but his influence continues to resonate far beyond the NBA. From breaking racial and cultural barriers to becoming a global icon during “Linsanity,” Lin’s career is a blueprint in perseverance and humility.
Now living a quieter life focused on philanthropy, business, and storytelling, Lin remains a powerful voice for change, identity, and the global basketball community.
