On August 31, NBA champion Jeremy Lin officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, closing a remarkable 15-year career that inspired millions worldwide. 

In a heartfelt post on Weibo, the 37-year-old Harvard graduate wrote: "As professional athletes, we always know that retirement is never far away. For the past 15 years, I knew this day would come, but now that it's here, it's still the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Playing under the brightest lights against the toughest opponents—challenging stereotypes about people with my body type—was the greatest honor of my life. I achieved a childhood dream that once seemed impossible: to play in front of fans across the world. I'll always be that kid full of joy whenever I touch a basketball."

Photo/Jeremy Lin's official Weibo account

Lin thanked family, friends, teammates, and fans who supported him through highs and lows: "This is a journey I never wanted to end, but I know it's time. The memories we share go far beyond basketball. For everything ahead, let's move forward together. I love each and every one of you."

Following his announcement, the NBA paid tribute on its official account: "From an undrafted rookie to sparking global 'Linsanity', from playing for multiple teams to reaching the NBA Finals, Lin broke stereotypes with sweat and belief, letting the world witness the power of an Asian face. Retirement is not the end, but the start of a new chapter."

Lin's legacy is inseparable from the unforgettable "Linsanity" era of 2012.

On February 10, 2012, he erupted for a career-high 38 points against Kobe Bryant's Lakers at Madison Square Garden, electrifying the basketball world.

Days later, he drained a game-winning three-pointer over José Calderón to seal the Knicks' victory against the Raptors, turning Toronto's arena into a Knicks home crowd.

As the NBA noted, the winter of 2012 burned brighter because of "Linsanity", and the echoes of those chants at Madison Square Garden will never fade.

Over nine NBA seasons, Lin played for the Warriors, Knicks, Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks, and Raptors. In 2019, he became the first Asian-American player to win an NBA championship as part of the Raptors roster. Data shows that Lin earned approximately $65.7 million in career salary.

Lin is remembered not only as an NBA champion and trailblazer but also as a cultural icon who showed young Asian athletes worldwide that "impossible dreams" could come true.