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Jeremy Lin announces his retirement

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 8:49 PM ET

In 2012, the phenomenon known as “Linsanity” took over the basketball world. Jeremy Lin finally had his shot, and he took full advantage of it.

Lin was given a chance after the Knicks lost 11 of their previous 13 games. Head coach Mike D’Antoni needed to make a change. So, he went with Lin.

In a game against the New Jersey Nets on February 4, 2012, Lin played 36 minutes and dropped 25 points, handed out seven assists, and grabbed five rebounds in a 99-92 Knicks victory.

This led to a run of seven wins in a row, with Lin averaging 22.5 points and 8.7 assists per game in 12 starts before the All-Star break.

Lin’s career wasn’t always smooth sailing, and Linsanity unfortunately wouldn’t last long. A torn meniscus would end Lin’s season and he never really got a chance to be a star again on an NBA team.

Despite not getting another chance to shine, Lin still made NBA history. In 2019, he won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, albeit in a limited role.

Still, the victory made Lin the first Asian American to win an NBA championship. Now, after several seasons overseas, Lin is officially retiring from basketball.

His light in the NBA didn’t last for long. But it shone brighter than anyone ever expected.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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