Jeremy Lin: A Remarkable Journey from Warriors to NBA Champion
Early Struggles and Warriors Beginnings
Jeremy Lin began his remarkable NBA journey as an undrafted Harvard graduate in 2010, signing his first professional contract with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent. His rookie season with Golden State was modest, featuring limited playing time and G League assignments.
Despite the modest start, Lin’s stint with the Warriors is pivotal—it marked his entrance into the league and underscored the resilience, determination, and heart he would carry throughout his career.
Linsanity: The Breakout Moment
After short stints with Golden State and Houston, Lin was waived before joining the New York Knicks in the 2011–12 season. What followed became a cultural phenomenon: “Linsanity.” Lin ignited a Knicks turnaround with sensational performances—averaging around 25 points and 9 assists during an 11-game hot streak.
He captured global attention, gracing covers of major publications, making the Time 100 list, and winning the ESPY for Breakthrough Athlete of the Year.
The NBA Championship: Making History
Lin’s NBA career spanned nine seasons across eight teams, including the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and ultimately, the Toronto Raptors.
In 2019, Lin finally tasted glory—joining a Raptors team that would go on to claim the franchise’s first NBA title. Though he played limited minutes in the Finals, including just “one minute” in Game 3, his presence on the roster allowed him to make history as the first Asian-American and Taiwanese-American to win an NBA championship.
Lin himself reflected on the significance: “On one hand, I came out of it with a ring… I was the first Asian-American to win an NBA championship, so there’s something super special about that”.
Life After the NBA: From Courtside to Mentorship
Following his NBA tenure, Lin continued to play professionally—first in the Chinese Basketball Association, then in Taiwan’s P. League+, where he added another championship to his resume in 2024–25, calling it the “toughest” of his career.
Today, Lin has shifted his focus to mentorship, particularly for young Asian American athletes. In August 2025, he launched the JLIN NextGen Basketball Camp, a selective three-day event for top AAPI collegiate players, aiming to build community and share his hard-earned lessons.
Kenyon Martin & Jeremy Lin: The Backstory
In 2017, Lin—then with the Brooklyn Nets—found himself at the center of a racial controversy when former teammate Kenyon Martin publicly criticized his style, suggesting that Lin shouldn’t wear dreadlocks because of his Asian American identity. Martin later reached out and publicly apologized; Lin acknowledged the conversation was “courteous” and appreciated Martin’s handling of the situation.
Though tangential to his championship narrative, this incident highlights another dimension of Lin’s career—dealing with the pressures of representation and navigating racial stereotypes, which he has consistently addressed with grace.
Why Lin’s Story Still Resonates
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Underdog Triumph – From undrafted college star to NBA champion, Lin embodies grit and perseverance.
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Cultural Icon – Linsanity remains one of the most improbable and electrifying moments in NBA history.
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Representation Matter – His NBA championship sent a powerful message for Asian American athletes.
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Legacy in Action – Transitioning into mentorship reflects his commitment to paving the way for others.
FAQs
Q: How many NBA championships has Jeremy Lin won?
A: Jeremy Lin won one NBA championship, with the Toronto Raptors in the 2018–19 season.
Q: Was Jeremy Lin the first Asian American to win an NBA championship?
A: Yes. Lin became the first Asian-American and Taiwanese-American ever to win an NBA title when the Raptors defeated the Warriors in the 2019 Finals.
Q: How did Jeremy Lin’s career begin with the Warriors?
A: Lin began his NBA career undrafted in 2010, signing with his hometown team, the Golden State Warriors, where he played sparingly in his rookie season and received G League assignments.
Q: What is “Linsanity”?
A: “Linsanity” refers to Lin’s breakout 2011–12 season with the New York Knicks, where he sparked an improbable winning streak and became a cultural sensation across the league.
Q: What was the controversy involving Kenyon Martin?
A: In 2017, former teammate Kenyon Martin suggested Lin shouldn’t wear dreadlocks due to his Asian ancestry. He later apologized, and Lin expressed appreciation for the conversation and Martin’s apology.
Q: What is Jeremy Lin doing now?
A: After retiring from the NBA, Lin played overseas and in Taiwan—where he added another championship—before shifting to mentorship. In 2025, he launched the JLIN NextGen Basketball Camp to support the next generation of AAPI athletes. Jeremy Lin Championship.
Conclusion
Jeremy Lin’s journey—from overlooked Harvard graduate to Linsanity icon, and NBA champion with the Raptors—has transcended basketball. His impact pulsates through culture, representation, and mentorship. While his path briefly intersected with Kenyon Martin amid controversy, Lin’s legacy stands above: a testament to resilience, identity, and leadership both on and off the court.
