Jeremy Lin Biography: 2012 NBA Star Highlights
Early Life
Jeremy Lin was born August 23rd, 1988 in Los Angeles. His ancestors left mainland China for Taiwan in the eighteenth century, and Lin himself was raised an Evangelical Christian in Palo Alto, California.
Beginning of Basketball Career
His father introduced him to basketball, and taught him to play at their local YMCA. As a high school senior, Lin captained Palo Alto High School to a 32-1 record, and won the state title.
Off to Harvard
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Despite graduating with a 4.2 GPA, the 6’3” Lin didn’t get any scholarship offers. He decided on the Ivy League’s Harvard University, even though the school had not produced an NBA player in five decades.
Golden State Warriors
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Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, then signed a two-year deal with his favorite childhood team: the Golden State Warriors. He became the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent in the NBA.
Finally to the Knicks
Lin’s Golden State stint was unsuccessful: by his second year, he was in the NBA’s D-League. In December 2011, Lin was cut on training camp opening day. The Houston Rockets claimed him off waivers, but cut him on December 24th. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks were riddled with injuries, and claimed Lin three days later.
Getting His Shot
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While Lin only played 55 minutes through the Knicks’ first 23 games, he was given a chance by coach Mike D’Antoni on a suggestion from injured teammate Carmelo Anthony. It paid off: On February 4th, 2012, Lin had 25 points in a victory over the New Jersey Nets.
Early Successes
He made his first start in the next game against the Utah Jazz, and contributed 28 points towards the win. Next up against the Wizards, he notched his first double-double. He then outscored Kobe Bryant 38-points to 34 in the Knicks’ win over the LA Lakers. Things continued with a 20-point performance in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Thrills and Accolades
One of Lin’s truly thrilling moments came when he scored a game-winning three-pointer with one second left against the Toronto Raptors. In that game, Lin surpassed Shaquille O’Neal’s league record for the most points in his first five games as a starter. Despite these impressive showings, critics pointed out that during that same period, he posted 30 turnovers. Even so, the accolades poured in.
Rooting for the Underdog
While it was inevitable the Knicks would stop Linning, Jeremy Lin was one player who gave hope not only to his team and the NBA, but he also made underdogs around the world walk taller.
