Jeremy Lin was born on August 23, 1988, in Torrance, California, to Taiwanese immigrant parents, Lin Gie-Ming and Shirley Lin. He grew up in Palo Alto, California, where he learned to play basketball from his father at a local YMCA. Lin attended Palo Alto High School, where he led his team to a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division II state title. Despite his success in high school, Lin was not heavily recruited by college basketball programs.
Lin attended Harvard University, where he played for the Harvard Crimson basketball team. He was a standout player, earning All-Ivy League honors and becoming the first Ivy League player to record at least 1,450 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals in a career. Lin graduated from Harvard in 2010 with a degree in economics.
After going undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, Lin signed with the Golden State Warriors. He spent the majority of his rookie season bouncing between the Warriors and the NBA Development League (NBDL). In December 2011, Lin was claimed off waivers by the New York Knicks.
Lin's time with the Knicks in 2011 sparked a phenomenon known as "Linsanity." He burst onto the scene with a series of impressive performances, becoming the first player in NBA history to score at least 20 points and have seven assists in each of his first five starts. Lin's sudden rise to stardom captivated fans around the world and transcended basketball.
Following his breakout season with the Knicks, Lin signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Houston Rockets in 2012. He played alongside All-Star guard James Harden and continued to showcase his scoring ability. In 2014, Lin was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent one season before joining the Charlotte Hornets.
Lin's journey in the NBA saw him suit up for the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks before signing with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He played a key role in the Raptors' championship run, providing depth and leadership off the bench.
Aside from his basketball career, Lin is known for his philanthropic work and advocacy. He has been active in promoting Asian-American representation in sports and society, using his platform to raise awareness about social issues and support various causes.
Jeremy Lin's story is one of perseverance, resilience, and breaking barriers. From his humble beginnings in California to his rise to NBA stardom, Lin has become a role model for aspiring athletes and a symbol of hope for underrepresented communities.