#whyisjeremylinnotinthenba #whyisjeremylinplayingGleague

Jeremy Lin captivated the global stage in the phenomenon dubbed “Linsanity” as a 2nd year player with the NY Knicks in the 2011-2012 NBA season. Upon Lin's promotion to the starting lineup, the Knicks went on a seven-game winning streak.

“Apart from being a capable passer, Lin established himself as a strong, fast-paced offensive player who attacks the basket and excels at the pick-and-roll. He improved his outside shooting during his career and became a threat from three-point range.”

Lin was forced out of NY due to Carmelo Anthony’s jealousy, forced out of the NBA after his championship win with the Raptors, and he was never given a full chance even before that. He didn’t get an athletic scholarship, went undrafted in 2010 Draft, and was largely viewed as a bench player despite his accomplishments. 

Jeremy Lin is currently playing in the G League as a free agent. The Warriors were looking to add him, but failed to acquire the necessary waiver from Beijing Ducks in time (with offices being closed on weekends). The NBA subsequently implemented what is now known as the “Jeremy Lin rule”, that allows each team to designate one “NBA Vet Selection” to their roster. 

Numerous basketball commentators as well as Lin himself have discussed how his race negatively impacted the perception of his skill. Jeremy Lin has been used time and again as a vehicle for celebrating Asian heritage & inclusivity on observance days, but did little to employ him. He currently makes around $400k with the G League, when he could have easily made at least 10x more on the bench in the NBA.

In the first two showings in G League, Jeremy Lin leads Santa Cruz Warriors in assists, and net +2.0 despite having the lowest minutes among those with 20+ minutes. We do not need to watch him play in G League. He should be competing within the premier basketball league in the world. 

The goal:

1. Golden State should offer Jeremy Lin an NBA contract. While it is great that Golden State tried to acquire him at all, they should put up more money for him rather than try to get him on a deal through G League (and now, under “Jeremy Lin Rule”).

2. Show support for Jeremy Lin’s return to the NBA. Allow Jeremy Lin actual playing time rather than reduced to garbage minutes that took away from his championship ring win.

3. Move the conversation forward on how being an Asian American in the NBA/American sports has hurt Jeremy Lin financially. Lin has continued to be vocal on social issues in America and worked to bring different communities together. 

4. Profit

From: People watching NBA with eyes who can see Jeremy Lin never should have been dropped from NBA

Jeremy Lin Career Achievements:

• Northern California Basketball Player of the Year (High School)

• 3x all-conference player (Harvard)

• 1st American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in NBA

• Jan. 2011 - All-NBA D-League Showcase First Team

• Sept. 2011 - Most Valuable Player in ABA Club Championship (Chinese Basketball Association)

• 2011-2012 (Feb 6-12, 2012) - Eastern Conference Player of the Week

• 1st player to score 20+ pts and have 7 assists in each of his 1st five starts

• Most pts in first 3, 4, and 5 career starts by any player since 1977 NBA-ABA merger. 

• 2011-2012 NBA All-Star - Rising Stars

• 2011-2012 ESPY Breakthrough Athlete of the Year

• 2018-2019 1st Asian American to win NBA championship (but played in garbage time)

• 2019-2020 CBA All-Star

• among other recognitions and “firsts”