Asian-American basketball prodigy, Jeremy Lin, leads the charge for the emerging generation of basketball players of Asian descent
Jeremy Lin's Legacy Shines Bright in the World of Basketball
Jeremy Lin, a former NBA star and current player for the New Taipei Kings in the Taiwan Professional Basketball League, continues to make a significant impact on Asian American basketball players. During the 2025 NBA season, six players of Asian American descent—Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green, Kyle Anderson, Jaylin Williams, Johnny Juzang, and Kaitlyn Chen (WNBA)—suited up in a game, a testament to Lin's influence.
Lin's post-NBA career is centred around mentoring the next generation of Asian American basketball players. His JLIN NextGen Basketball Camp, designed to support and develop top Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) collegiate athletes, provides intensive training, mentorship, and community-building. This camp reflects Lin's desire to share the lessons he learned throughout his career and to create a supportive space for players who, like him, often face the pressures of being trailblazers in the sport.
Beyond the camp, Lin is a prominent advocate addressing Asian American experiences and racism in sports and society. His transformation from cautiously avoiding ethnic labels during his NBA peak to openly discussing discrimination and advocating for solidarity marks a major facet of his ongoing legacy.
Lin's NBA career took him to Charlotte, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Toronto, and the Golden State Warriors. He reached global stardom with the New York Knicks during a two-week stretch in the 2011-2012 season, averaging 25 points and 9.2 assists while leading the Knicks to an 8-1 record. However, Lin hasn't played in an NBA game since 2019, the year he won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors.
Despite being in his mid-30s, Lin is still trying to find a balance between continuing to play and retiring, ensuring he goes out on his own terms. Whether that's overseas or in the NBA, Lin is committed to nurturing the next generation of Asian American basketball talent and fostering a stronger community identity around the sport.
The JLIN NextGen Basketball Camp, held in Palo Alto, brought together top Asian American college basketball players from across the country. Annika Shah, a Palo Alto High graduate and Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo point guard, still remembers staying up late to watch all of Lin's legendary runs. The players who attended the camp weren't even in high school when Lin had his breakout moment.
During the camp, Lin demonstrated a high level of intensity, just as he did when he was trying to earn an NBA contract. Saturday's camp provided college players with a look into how Lin prepares during his offseason, including intense shooting and ball handling drills, and a strenuous lifting session. Camp participant Agarwal gained insights from Lin's perspective on learning from anyone, including himself.
Lin is grateful to have inspired the next generation of Asian American basketball players. His impact for Asian American basketball players has been felt as the years go by, with more representation in the NBA and WNBA. As Lin continues to mentor and advocate, he is shaping the future of Asian American basketball and empowering a new generation of players.
Sports continue to be a platform for change, with Jeremy Lin's legacy shining brightly in the world of basketball, particularly in the NBA. His post-NBA career, focusing on mentoring the next generation of Asian American basketball players, is making a significant impact, as evidenced by the JLIN NextGen Basketball Camp.
