14 Misses Out of 15 Shots: The Decline of Jeremy Lin as Retirement Looms Closer

Jeremy Lin, once a household name who took the basketball world by storm with his rise to fame during "Linsanity," is now showing clear signs of age and fatigue in his current season in Taiwan’s TPBL. In his latest game for the New Taipei Kings, the 36-year-old point guard struggled immensely, shooting just 3 for 14 from the field, including a disappointing 0 for 6 from three-point range, ultimately scoring only 7 points in a losing effort against the Formosa Dreamers. Though Lin managed to grab 11 rebounds and dish out 7 assists, the numbers were overshadowed by his shooting woes, and the game serves as a somber reminder of how the peak of Lin’s career is likely behind him.

A New Chapter in Taiwan

Lin’s career has spanned multiple countries and leagues, with TPBL being his latest stop. The league, not a completely new one, represents a union of Taiwan’s former P+ and T1 leagues, bringing together seven teams to create a stronger competition pool. Joining TPBL has allowed Lin to continue playing and stay connected with his heritage in a way that’s proven to be both personally rewarding and successful. This past summer, he led the New Taipei Kings to a P+ League championship, earning his second career title and his first since his 2019 NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors. However, unlike that crowning moment, Lin’s personal performance in the Taiwanese finals wasn’t dominant. His averages of 17 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals with a 33.3% field goal percentage, though respectable, didn’t secure him the Finals MVP. Still, the title itself marked a rare win for a player who has faced an uphill battle throughout his professional life.

Sporting a Bold Look to Boost His Game

Making his TPBL debut with a dramatic new blonde hair color, Lin came out firing, scoring 34 points in a game against the Kaohsiung Aquas. Shooting 12-for-20 from the floor with a plus-minus rating of +22, Lin helped the Kings clinch an 88-78 victory, delivering a memorable opening act. With his fresh look, Lin said he hoped to “give himself some personality” and boost his confidence on the court, jokingly suggesting the new style even helped his shooting touch. But as the season wore on, his performance has proven to be inconsistent, a recurring theme that reflects both the highs and lows of Lin’s basketball journey.

A Departure from the CBA and Closer to Home

After leaving the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in late 2022, Lin’s move to Taiwan marked a fresh start. Yet the familiarity with the region also serves as a subtle reminder of what’s next for him. Lin has stated candidly that this TPBL season may be his last, noting that he will reevaluate his future at the end of this campaign. His exit from the CBA was symbolic of an ending chapter, especially as his time there didn’t bring the success he once hoped for. While Lin found significant popularity and support in China, the competitive and demanding atmosphere of the CBA proved challenging, and the promise of a championship title remained elusive.

The Battle with Time

As with many aging athletes, Lin’s body is feeling the effects of a long career, a fact highlighted in his recent games. The former NBA standout who once averaged 27 points per game over a ten-game stretch with the New York Knicks now finds it harder to maintain consistency. At his current age, Lin’s minutes are managed more carefully, and his game has adjusted to a pace that allows for his body’s limitations. His reliance on athleticism, which once helped him explode past defenders, is gradually shifting toward a more grounded play style, utilizing passing and basketball IQ rather than speed and quickness.

Despite his shooting struggles, Lin has managed to remain impactful in other aspects of the game. His rebounding and assist numbers show that he still brings value beyond scoring. However, the inconsistencies in his shooting and dwindling speed remind fans that he can no longer carry a team the way he once did. Reflecting on Lin’s transformation from “Linsanity” to a seasoned veteran, it’s clear that the once-dominant offensive force is now relying on the small intangibles of his game to contribute on the court.

A Storied Career with Highs and Lows

Lin’s career has been defined by extreme peaks and valleys. After going undrafted in 2010, he spent years bouncing between the NBA and the G League before famously breaking out with the Knicks in 2012. “Linsanity” became a cultural phenomenon, and Lin’s sudden stardom represented a rare success story for an Asian-American athlete in professional sports. But his stardom faded almost as quickly as it arrived. Injuries, trades, and shifts in team roles kept him moving through different NBA teams, and he eventually left the NBA in 2019 after winning a championship with the Raptors, albeit as a bench player.

Even during his time in the NBA, Lin battled with doubts and the pressure to prove himself. His unique status as an Asian-American athlete often put him under an intensified spotlight, with fans and critics alike scrutinizing his every move. In a league where most players are given the chance to develop over time, Lin’s opportunities often felt shorter-lived, with each new contract or trade serving as another proving ground.

Reflection and the Future Beyond Basketball

Lin’s remarks at the start of this TPBL season indicate that he’s considering his life beyond basketball. Now 36, Lin’s focus has shifted towards his personal life, and he seems ready to embrace a quieter life after his final season. Retirement rumors have swirled around him for several years, but this season may be the official beginning of his farewell tour. Lin has already begun exploring business ventures, charity work, and community engagement projects, which suggest that he’s looking for ways to make an impact off the court.

While he’s indicated he’ll make a final decision at season’s end, Lin’s struggles on the court signal that he may already be preparing for a future outside the game. For now, though, he continues to suit up, and as he does, fans have one more opportunity to watch the veteran guard in action, no matter how limited his minutes or scoring might be.

A Glimpse of Resilience Amid Decline

As his numbers dwindle and his shooting percentages drop, Lin’s continued commitment to the game reflects a resilience that defined his career. Even in the face of diminished scoring ability, he remains a valuable contributor to the New Taipei Kings. The missed shots and frustrating performances may overshadow his efforts, but his determination to keep playing embodies the spirit of a player who overcame long odds to make it in professional basketball. The misses may be piling up, but Lin’s legacy is intact, as is his unwavering commitment to the game he loves.