Jeremy Lin Announces Final Decision On His Basketball Career

There may never be a sensation in basketball that matches the fevered pitch of the "Linsanity" that NBA point guard Jeremy Lin brought to the New York Knicks and the entire league over a decade ago. But after more than five years out of the league and plying his trade overseas, Lin is ready to call it a career.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Lin announced his retirement from pro basketball. He had spent the last three years with the New Taipei Kings in the Taiwanese Professional Basketball League and helped the team win a championship while claiming league MVP and Finals MVP honors for his efforts. But he had not played in the NBA since 2019.

"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," Lin said in his farewell message.

"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 every time 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."