35 Facts About Jeremy Lin

Early Life and Background

Jeremy Lin's journey to NBA stardom is a fascinating tale of perseverance and talent. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in California: Jeremy Lin was born on August 23, 1988, in Torrance, California. He grew up in Palo Alto, a city known for its academic excellence.

2. Parents from Taiwan: His parents, Gie-Ming and Shirley Lin, emigrated from Taiwan to the United States in the mid-1970s. They both hold engineering degrees.

3. Basketball Family: Jeremy's father, Gie-Ming, was a basketball enthusiast who introduced him to the sport at a young age. They often played together at the local YMCA.

4. Academic Excellence: Lin excelled academically, graduating from Palo Alto High School with a 4.2 GPA. He was also a National Merit Scholar.

5. High School Star: At Palo Alto High School, Lin led his team to a 32-1 record and a state championship during his senior year.

College Years

Jeremy Lin's college years were pivotal in shaping his basketball career. Here are some key facts about his time at Harvard.

6. Harvard University: Despite his impressive high school record, Lin received no athletic scholarship offers. He chose to attend Harvard University, where he majored in economics.

7. Ivy League Standout: At Harvard, Lin became the first player in Ivy League history to record at least 1,450 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals.

8. Undrafted: Despite his stellar college career, Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft. Many teams overlooked him due to stereotypes and doubts about his athleticism.

NBA Journey Begins

Jeremy Lin's NBA journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Let's explore some key moments from his early NBA career.

9. Golden State Warriors: Lin signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2010, becoming the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA.

10. Limited Playtime: During his rookie season, Lin saw limited playtime, appearing in only 29 games and averaging 2.6 points per game.

11. D-League Stints: Lin spent significant time in the NBA Development League (D-League), playing for the Reno Bighorns to hone his skills.

12. Waived by Warriors: In December 2011, the Warriors waived Lin to clear salary cap space for other players.

Linsanity Era

The "Linsanity" era was a magical period in Jeremy Lin's career, capturing the hearts of basketball fans worldwide. Here are some unforgettable moments.

13. New York Knicks: Lin signed with the New York Knicks in December 2011. Initially, he was the team's third-string point guard.

14. Breakout Game: On February 4, 2012, Lin scored 25 points against the New Jersey Nets, leading the Knicks to victory and marking the start of "Linsanity."

15. Historic Performance: Lin scored 38 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, 2012, outshining Kobe Bryant and solidifying his status as a rising star.

16. Seven-Game Winning Streak: During "Linsanity," the Knicks went on a seven-game winning streak, with Lin averaging 24.4 points and 9.1 assists per game.

17. Cover of Sports Illustrated: Lin graced the cover of Sports Illustrated twice in consecutive weeks, a rare feat that highlighted his meteoric rise.

Post-Linsanity Career

After the "Linsanity" era, Jeremy Lin continued to make significant contributions to various NBA teams. Here are some highlights from his post-Knicks career.

18. Houston Rockets: Lin signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Houston Rockets in July 2012. He played alongside James Harden and helped the team reach the playoffs.

19. Los Angeles Lakers: In 2014, Lin was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played one season, averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 assists per game.

20. Charlotte Hornets: Lin joined the Charlotte Hornets in 2015, providing a spark off the bench and helping the team reach the playoffs.

21. Brooklyn Nets: Lin signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2016 but struggled with injuries, limiting his impact on the court.

22. Atlanta Hawks: In 2018, Lin was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he played a mentor role for younger players.

23. Toronto Raptors: Lin joined the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and became the first Asian-American to win an NBA championship when the Raptors clinched the title.

Off the Court

Jeremy Lin's impact extends beyond basketball. He has made significant contributions off the court as well. Here are some noteworthy facts.

24. Philanthropy: Lin established the Jeremy Lin Foundation, which focuses on empowering underprivileged youth through education and leadership programs.

25. Faith: Lin is a devout Christian and often speaks about how his faith has guided him throughout his career.

26. Documentary: A documentary titled "Linsanity" was released in 2013, chronicling Lin's rise to fame and the challenges he faced along the way.

27. Advocacy: Lin has been vocal about combating racism and stereotypes, using his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting the Asian-American community.

28. Business Ventures: Lin has invested in various business ventures, including tech startups and esports organizations.

Personal Life

Jeremy Lin's personal life is just as interesting as his professional career. Here are some fun facts about his life outside of basketball.

29. Multilingual: Lin is fluent in English and Mandarin, and he also understands a bit of Cantonese.

30. Piano Player: Lin is an accomplished pianist, having taken lessons since childhood. He often plays to relax and unwind.

31. Anime Fan: Lin is a big fan of anime, particularly "Naruto." He has even incorporated anime references into his social media posts.

32. Cooking Skills: Lin enjoys cooking and often experiments with different recipes. He has shared some of his culinary creations on social media.

33. Travel Enthusiast: Lin loves to travel and explore new cultures. He has visited numerous countries and often shares his travel experiences with fans.

34. Dog Lover: Lin is a dog lover and has a pet dog named Coco, who often makes appearances on his social media.

35. Role Model: Lin is considered a role model by many young athletes, especially those from Asian-American backgrounds, for his perseverance and success in the NBA.

Jeremy Lin's Impact

Jeremy Lin's journey through the NBA and beyond has been nothing short of inspiring. From his Harvard days to the unforgettable "Linsanity" era, Lin has shown that hard work and determination can break barriers. His story isn't just about basketball; it's about perseverance, faith, and community. Lin's influence extends beyond the court, impacting Asian-American representation in sports and inspiring countless fans worldwide. His charitable efforts and positive attitude continue to make a difference. Whether you're a basketball fan or not, Lin's story is a testament to the power of chasing your dreams and staying true to yourself. So, next time you think about overcoming obstacles, remember Jeremy Lin's incredible journey. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to aim high and never give up.