TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former NBA star Jeremy Lin (林書豪), who announced his retirement from professional basketball earlier this year, hosted a fan appreciation event in Taipei on Sunday, reflecting on his career and future plans beyond the court, per CNA.
Lin, a Taiwanese American guard best known for his electrifying run with the New York Knicks during the 2011–2012 season, known as “Linsanity,” later returned to Taiwan and led the New Taipei City Kings to the 2024–25 Taiwan Professional Basketball League championship alongside his younger brother, Joseph Lin (林書緯). He announced his retirement on Aug. 31.
Speaking to an audience of 777 fans at the W Hotel in Taipei, Lin became emotional as he reflected on life and professional basketball.
“I have experienced many emotions since retiring, but they are not about how many points I scored or what clutch shots I made,” Lin said. “What has moved me the most is the support from fans and the media who have been with me for more than a decade.”
Fans celebrate career of Jeremy Lin. (CNA photo)
Lin said that after winning the TPBL championship, he rested for only about two weeks before resuming training, as he had not yet decided whether to continue playing. “At that time, I hadn’t decided whether to keep playing or retire, but I felt that training couldn’t stop,” he said.
After ultimately deciding to retire, Lin said he struggled emotionally and had difficulty sleeping, prompting him to call a meeting with his team. “After one day, I realized that I actually wanted to retire,” he said.
Following a career retrospective video prepared by a fan, Lin said he had set three goals when he returned to Taiwan to continue his professional career: to rediscover his passion for basketball, to express gratitude to Taiwanese fans and to win a championship with his brother.
“Now that I have achieved all three goals, I feel like I’ve accomplished something,” he said.
Lin added that while his playing career has ended, the “Jeremy Lin” brand and spirit will continue. He said he plans to focus on product development, charitable work and supporting the next generation of Taiwanese basketball players.