Jeremy Lin penned an emotional message for his fans and social media followers after not receiving an offer to play in the NBA this month.
Missing the deadline: In a recent Instagram post, Lin recalled his hard work and the challenges he overcame to prove he was ready for an NBA comeback. However, he did not receive calls from any NBA teams when the May 16 deadline to sign NBA free agents arrived.
- Lin, who went down to the G League, said that NBA teams “have been asking if [he] still had the hunger, health, and skill to hang in the NBA.”
- “I’m really proud of what I accomplished – I killed it in the G League and objectively showed it being a league leader in all categories a PG should and shooting career-highs across the board,” he wrote.
- Lin led the Santa Cruz Warriors to a semifinal finish, placing 7th in league scoring and averaging 19.8 points on 50.5% shooting, 6.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds.
- Lin declined seven-figure offers to play overseas so he could go back to the G League and potentially make his NBA comeback. However, despite his recent performance, NBA teams gave other aspiring players the opportunity he was hoping for.
- “For reasons I’ll never fully know,” he wrote, “that chance never materialized. But I proved I’m better than ever and an NBA player. And like I’ve said before…dream big dreams, risk big heartache.”
Dream fulfilled: The 32-year-old basketball star shared that he is thankful for having had an NBA career, and he remains hopeful about the future.
- Lin, who wishes he “could have done more on the NBA court to break more barriers,” also included a message for the next generation of Asian American basketball players.
- “When you get your shot, do NOT hesitate,” he wrote. “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.”
- Lin says he has no regrets as he gave it his all, and he now trusts “what God has in store” for him.
- “Thanks to everyone who’s rolled w me on this journey,” he wrote at the end of his post. “I love my squaddd ❤️”
Featured Image via nbagleague
