Jeremy Lin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jeremy Lin

Lin in 2017
No. 7, 17
Point guard / shooting guard
Personal information
Born	(1988-08-23) August 23, 1988 (age 37) Torrance, California, U.S.
Nationality	American Taiwanese
High school	Palo Alto (Palo Alto, California)
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
College	Harvard (2006–2010)
NBA Draft	2010 / Undrafted
Pro career	2010–2025
Career history
2010–2011	Golden State Warriors
2010–2011	→Reno Bighorns
2011	Dongguan Leopards
2011–2012	New York Knicks
2012	→Erie BayHawks
2012–2014	Houston Rockets
2014–2015	Los Angeles Lakers
2015–2016	Charlotte Hornets
2016–2018	Brooklyn Nets
2018–2019	Atlanta Hawks
2019	Toronto Raptors
2019–2020	Beijing Ducks
2021	Santa Cruz Warriors
2021–2022	Beijing Ducks
2022	Guangzhou Loong Lions
2023	Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers
2023–2025	New Taipei Kings
Career highlights and awards
NBA champion (2019) TPBL champion (2025) PLG champion (2024) TPBL Finals MVP (2025) TPBL Most Valuable Player (2025) All-TPBL First Team (2025) TPBL Clutch Play of the Year (2025) TPBL All-Defensive First Team (2025) PLG assists leader (2023) CBA All-Star (2020) No. 7 retired by New Taipei Kings 2× First-team All-Ivy League (2009, 2010) Second-team All-Ivy League (2008)
Career statistics
Points	5,567 (11.6 ppg)
Rebounds	1,338 (2.8 rpg)
Assists	2,042 (4.3 apg)

Jeremy Shu-How Lin (born August 23, 1988) is a Taiwanese-American former professional basketball player. He became famous for leading the New York Knicks to an unexpected winning streak in the 2011–12 NBA season. This exciting time was called "Linsanity". Lin was the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese background to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was also the first Asian American player to win an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Jeremy Lin officially retired from professional basketball on August 30, 2025.

Jeremy Lin's Early Life and Family

Jeremy Lin was born in Torrance, California, on August 23, 1988. He grew up in Palo Alto, California, and was raised in a Christian family. His parents moved from Taiwan to the United States in the 1970s. They taught their sons, Josh, Jeremy, and Joseph, to play basketball at the local YMCA. Jeremy's mom also helped create a youth basketball program in Palo Alto. She made sure his love for basketball didn't get in the way of his schoolwork.

During his last year of high school in 2005–06, Jeremy led Palo Alto High School to an amazing 32–1 record. His team even won the California state title. He was named the Northern California Division II Player of the Year. He averaged 15.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.0 steals per game.

College Basketball Journey at Harvard

After high school, Jeremy Lin sent his basketball highlights to many colleges. He dreamed of playing for schools like Stanford and UCLA. However, most big schools only offered him a chance to "walk on" without a scholarship. Only Harvard and Brown guaranteed him a spot on their teams. Ivy League schools do not offer sports scholarships.

A Harvard coach initially thought Jeremy was not strong enough. But after seeing him play in a tough game, the coach realized Jeremy had a strong competitive spirit. Jeremy chose to attend Harvard. Many people later wondered why bigger schools didn't recruit him more seriously.

Jeremy worked hard and improved a lot at Harvard. In his second year (2007–08), he averaged 12.6 points per game. He was named to the All-Ivy League Second Team. By his third year (2008–09), he was one of the best players in his conference. He was ranked in the top ten for scoring, rebounding, and assists. He was also great at steals and blocks.

In his final year (2009–10), Jeremy continued to shine. He averaged 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He was again chosen for the All-Ivy League First Team. Harvard set new records for wins that season. Jeremy became the first player in Ivy League history to achieve impressive career totals in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. He graduated from Harvard in 2010 with a degree in economics.

Jeremy Lin's Professional Basketball Career

Starting in the NBA: Golden State Warriors

No team picked Jeremy Lin in the 2010 NBA draft. Scouts worried he wasn't strong or athletic enough for the NBA. He joined the Dallas Mavericks for a summer league. There, he showed off his skills, averaging 9.8 points per game.

On July 21, 2010, Jeremy signed a two-year deal with his hometown team, the Golden State Warriors. This was a big deal for the San Francisco Bay Area's Asian-American community. He became the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA.

Jeremy didn't play much during his first season. He was often sent to the Warriors' minor league team, the Reno Bighorns. He averaged 18 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists with Reno. He finished his rookie NBA season averaging 2.6 points in 29 games.

Playing in China: Dongguan Leopards

During an NBA break in 2011, Jeremy played a few games for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) team Dongguan Leopards. He was even named the MVP of a tournament there.

The "Linsanity" Phenomenon with the New York Knicks

In December 2011, the Warriors let Jeremy go. Then the Houston Rockets also waived him. Finally, the New York Knicks picked him up on December 27, 2011. The Knicks had many injured players and needed help. Jeremy was fourth on their list of point guards.

Jeremy was worried about being cut again. He worked incredibly hard, studying game films and practicing constantly. On February 4, 2012, the Knicks coach, Mike D'Antoni, gave Jeremy a chance. The team was struggling, and Jeremy stepped onto the court against the New Jersey Nets.

Jeremy had an amazing game, scoring 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Knicks won! This was the start of something special. In his next game, Jeremy started and scored 28 points and 8 assists. The Knicks went on a seven-game winning streak with Jeremy leading the way.

Lin after his first game for the Knicks in December 2011

This incredible rise to fame was called "Linsanity." Jeremy appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated and Time. He was named one of the most influential people in the world. In July 2012, he won an ESPY Award for Breakthrough Athlete of the Year.

Moving to Other NBA Teams

After his time with the Knicks, Jeremy played for several other NBA teams.

• Houston Rockets (2012–2014): Jeremy signed with the Rockets in July 2012. He became a starter and played alongside James Harden. He had some great games, including a 38-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs. He also achieved his first career triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
• Los Angeles Lakers (2014–2015): He was traded to the Lakers in 2014. He had a career-high 3-point shooting percentage during this season.
• Charlotte Hornets (2015–2016): Jeremy signed with the Hornets in 2015. He was a key player off the bench and finished seventh in voting for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.
• Brooklyn Nets (2016–2018): He joined the Nets in 2016, reuniting with his former Knicks assistant coach, Kenny Atkinson. Unfortunately, he faced several injuries during his time here, including a season-ending knee injury in 2017.
• Atlanta Hawks (2018–2019): Jeremy was traded to the Hawks in 2018. He helped mentor rookie point guard Trae Young.
• Toronto Raptors (2019): He signed with the Raptors in February 2019. That year, the Raptors won the NBA championship, making Jeremy the first Asian American to win an NBA title.

Playing in Asia and Retirement

After his NBA career, Jeremy Lin played in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and other leagues in Taiwan.

• Beijing Ducks (2019–2020): In August 2019, he signed with the Beijing Ducks. He became a CBA All-Star.
• Santa Cruz Warriors (2021): He returned to the G League, playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors in 2021.
• Return to the Ducks (2021–2022): Jeremy went back to the Beijing Ducks in 2021. He faced health challenges after contracting COVID-19.
• Guangzhou Loong Lions (2022): He signed with the Guangzhou Loong Lions for the 2022–23 season. He later left the team.
• Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers (2023): In January 2023, Jeremy joined the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers in Taiwan's P. League+ (PLG). He played alongside his brother, Joseph. On April 23, 2023, he made history by recording a 50-point triple-double.
• New Taipei Kings (2023–2025): Jeremy signed with the New Taipei Kings in September 2023, joining his brother Joseph again. The team won the PLG championship in 2024. In 2025, he was awarded the TPBL Clutch Play of the Year and was selected to the All-Defensive First Team and All-TPBL First Team. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of the TPBL in 2025. The Kings won the TPBL championship in 2025, and Jeremy was named the Finals MVP.

On August 30, 2025, Jeremy Lin announced his retirement from professional basketball after a 15-year career. The New Taipei Kings announced they would hold his jersey retirement ceremony on December 28, 2025.

National Team Career

Jeremy Lin is a U.S. citizen and also a national of Taiwan through his parents. In 2011, there was talk of him joining the Taiwan national team. However, he could not participate due to a knee injury. He also played for the USA Basketball Men's Select Team to practice against the 2012 U.S. Olympic team candidates. In August 2020, he obtained a Taiwan passport.

Player Profile

Jeremy Lin was known for being a strong and fast offensive player. He was great at attacking the basket and using the pick-and-roll play. Over his career, he improved his outside shooting and became a threat from long range. He was also good at drawing fouls from opponents. Sometimes, he was criticized for making too many turnovers and for his defense. Throughout his career, he faced challenges with injuries.

Facing Challenges: Racial Issues

Throughout his basketball journey, Jeremy Lin faced unfair comments and stereotypes because of his Asian background. When he was younger, he heard hurtful remarks. In college, he sometimes heard offensive phrases from other players.

These experiences made Jeremy realize that stereotypes about Asian Americans could affect how people saw his athletic abilities. He often heard people say he was "deceptively athletic," which he felt was connected to his ethnicity. He believed his race might have played a role in why he wasn't drafted into the NBA right away.

Jeremy also shared stories about being mistaken for a trainer or being stopped by security guards at NBA arenas. These incidents showed how stereotypes could lead to people making wrong assumptions about him.

He spoke out about these issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respect. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he strongly condemned anti-Asian racism. He encouraged everyone to show compassion and empathy. Jeremy believes that while his ethnicity brought him extra attention during "Linsanity," it also created many obstacles he had to overcome.

Giving Back: Philanthropy

Jeremy Lin has always been committed to helping others.

• In October 2016, he donated $1 million to Harvard University. This money helped students with financial aid and improved campus facilities.
• In February 2020, he donated ¥1 million (about $144,370) to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spoke out against racism related to the outbreak.
• In April 2020, he donated $500,000 to Direct Relief and Feeding America. He also pledged to match additional donations. He wrote an article encouraging unity during the pandemic.
• He continued to speak out against anti-Asian racism in May 2020. He urged people to think before they speak and to challenge ignorance.

Personal Life

Jeremy Lin is a private person about his family. In January 2023, he announced that he had married his wife about two years earlier. She is of Filipino descent. On August 23, 2024, Jeremy announced the birth of his son.

Jeremy is an evangelical Protestant. He was a leader in Harvard's Asian American Christian Fellowship. He often says his faith helped him play without pressure. He hopes to become a pastor and work with non-profit organizations to help children in need.

He understands Mandarin and took classes to improve it. When he first joined the Knicks, he slept on his brother's couch. Later, he moved to a condo after his contract became guaranteed.

Jeremy is a big fan of the video game Dota 2. He even formed his own professional Dota 2 team, called J.Storm, in 2016.

Career statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

College

CBA

Regular season

Playoffs

Images for kids

• 

  Lin in college in 2010

• 

  Lin at Warriors practice in 2010

• 

  Lin before a game in 2010

• 

  Lin and Chandler Parsons on the Houston bench

• 

  Rockets coach Kevin McHale speaks to Lin (No. 7) and his teammates during the 2013 NBA playoffs

• 

  Lin in 2014

• 

  Lin defending against John Wall of the Washington Wizards

• 

  Lin in March 2012

• 

  Lin shooting a free throw

• 

  Lin playing in exhibition in Taipei in 2010

• 

  Lin meets Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou, 2010

See also

In Spanish: Jeremy Lin para niños