Chinese-American NBA star Jeremy Lin announced his retirement on Tuesday via his official Instagram account, officially ending his 15-year professional basketball career.

In his official retirement announcement, Lin wrote, "As professional athletes, we always know retirement is not far away. For the past 15 years, I've known for certain that I would have to leave one day, but now, saying goodbye to basketball remains the hardest decision of my life."

"Being able to compete under the brightest lights, against the toughest opponents, and challenging what is considered possible for someone of my size and condition, is the greatest honor of my life. I've achieved a crazy dream I thought was impossible as a child: playing in front of fans around the world. I will always be that childlike self who feels most alive when I touch a basketball."

"There are so many things along the way that I've learned so much about myself. People have sacrificed for me. Thank you for believing in me, for sticking with me every step of the way, for celebrating the good times with me, and for helping me stand up when I was down. This has been a journey I desperately want to end, but I know it's time. I will always miss every moment playing basketball in front of you, but what we share goes far beyond basketball. For all that lies ahead, let's look forward together."

"With my wholehearted love for each and every one of you."

With this statement, the NBA star, who once brought pride to Chinese worldwide, has concluded his relatively brief but illustrious basketball career.

About Jeremy Lin

Lin, 37, was born on August 23, 1988, in Palo Alto, California, to a Chinese Christian family. Standing 1.92 meters tall, he plays as a point guard and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Taiwan. His younger brother, Joseph Lin, currently plays for the New Taipei Kings in the TPBL.

Lin captained Palo Alto High School to a 32-1 record, averaging 15.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 5 steals per game, including a victory in the California Interscholastic Conference Division II tournament.

These impressive performances earned him a spot on the California All-State team and Northern California Division II Player of the Year award.

In college, Lin was a Harvard University alumnus.

While at Harvard, he was named to the Ivy League All-American team three times in his four years.

In 2010, Lin entered the NBA draft but was undrafted. Following the 2010-11 NBA Summer League, he signed with the Golden State Warriors, becoming the first Harvard graduate and the first Chinese-American player to play in the NBA since 1953.

However, during his rookie year, Lin received limited playing time and was even demoted to the Development League three times.

During the 2011 NBA lockout, Lin, who had just returned from injury, joined the Dongguan Leopards. His outstanding performances earned him a spot on the All-Asia Club Cup All-Star Team and was named MVP.

In December of the same year, after being released by the Warriors and then the Houston Rockets, Lin joined the New York Knicks.

During his time with the Knicks, Lin shot to global fame and fame after leading the team to an unexpected seven-game winning streak, becoming a starting lineup member, and helping the Knicks reach the playoffs with his impressive performances. These performances catapulted Lin to global fame, sparking a "Linsanity" craze. This success earned him a spot on Time Magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2012.

Lin subsequently played for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks.

In February 2019, Lin signed as a free agent for the Toronto Raptors. During his time with the Raptors, he won a championship with the team, becoming the first Chinese-American player to win an NBA championship.

In August of the same year, Lin left the NBA for the CBA, joining the Beijing Ducks. The following year, he returned to the Santa Cruz Warriors, the G League team of his former team, the Golden State Warriors.

In December 2022, Lin joined the Guangzhou Loong Lions, but was terminated weeks after joining the team due to criticism of the Chinese government's COVID-19 prevention policies.

In January of the following year, Lin joined the Kaohsiung Steelers. During his time there, he recorded a triple-double with 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, tying the league single-game scoring record. He also won the PLG assists title.

In September 2023, Lin joined the New Taipei City Kings, joining his younger brother, Shu-Wei Lin.

During his time with the team, he won one PLG championship and one TPBL championship, and was selected to the TPBL All-Defensive First Team, All-Time First Team, and MVP.