FILE – Toronto Raptors guard Jeremy Lin (17) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
MANILA, Philippines — Former NBA guard Jeremy Lin hinted at retirement in a lengthy post on social media Wednesday after not receiving an NBA contract this season.
Seeking an NBA comeback, Lin last suited up for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League after spending a season with the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association where he averaged 22.3 points and 5.6 assists per game.
“After a year in the CBA where I overcame the mental barriers from my past, I knew I was still an NBA player,” Lin wrote. “Teams all asked if I still had the hunger, health and skill to hang in the NBA. They wanted to see me hoop in person. So, I have up a season overseas to go down to the G League — a move few vets dare to make.
But Lin never got a call-up despite showing out in the CBA and the G League.
“For months I saw others get contracts, chances, opportunities,” Lin said. “I told myself I just need ONE ten-day contract, one chance to get back on the floor and I would blow it out of the water. After all that’s how my entire career started.”
“For reasons I’ll never fully know, that chance never materialized. But I proved I’m better than ever and an NBA player. And like I said before … dream big dreams, risk heartache.”
Lin played nine games for Santa Cruz and averaged 19.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 31 minutes.
The 32-year-old Lin, the first American of Taiwanese descent to see action in the NBA, has also been vocal about social issues especially against the recent hate and violence toward the Asian-American community in the United States.
“To the next generation of Asian American ballers — man I so wish I could have done more on the NBA court to break more barriers — especially now — but you guys got next,” he said. “When you get your shot do NOT hesitate. Don’t worry whether anyone else thinks you belong. The world never will. If there’s any chance to doubt, they will. But when you get your foot in the door, KICK THAT DOOR DOWN. And then bring others up with you.”
“I didn’t get it all done, but I have no regrets. I gave my ALL and hold my head high. As for what’s next, I trust what God has in store for me. Thanks to everyone whose rolled with me on this journey. I love you all.”
Lin, who played 10 seasons in the NBA, is best known as a member of the New York Knicks in 2012 when he had one of the most inspiring stretches in NBA history that led to the phenomenon dubbed as “Linsanity.”