Jeremy Lin Is Back! A Six-Year Wait Ends as He Returns to the NBA in a New Role

After six long years away from the NBA, Jeremy Lin has officially made his return—not as a player, but as the head coach of the G League team in the Rising Stars Challenge at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. This marks an unexpected but well-deserved comeback for the former sensation who once took the basketball world by storm with “Linsanity.”

At 36 years old, Lin is stepping onto an NBA court once again, this time with a clipboard in hand rather than a basketball. While his playing days may be winding down in Taiwan’s TPBL with the New Taipei Kings, this coaching opportunity signals a potential future in the sport beyond his playing career.

From Linsanity to Coaching—A Full-Circle Journey

Jeremy Lin’s NBA career was a story of resilience, talent, and underdog triumph. He first entered the league in 2010 as an undrafted rookie, signing with the Golden State Warriors. Although his time in the Bay Area was short-lived, it set the stage for what would become one of the most memorable Cinderella stories in league history.

In the 2011-12 season, Lin, who had been bouncing between the NBA and the G League, was thrust into the starting lineup for the struggling New York Knicks. What followed was nothing short of miraculous. Lin exploded onto the scene, delivering clutch performances against the league’s top teams, including a 38-point masterpiece against Kobe Bryant’s Lakers. “Linsanity” was born, captivating fans worldwide as Lin became an overnight sensation.

Though he never replicated that level of dominance in subsequent years, Lin carved out a respectable nine-year NBA career, playing for the Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks, and Raptors. His final NBA stint came in the 2018-19 season with the Toronto Raptors, where, despite a limited role, he won an NBA championship—becoming the first Asian-American player to do so.

Life After the NBA: A Journey Across the Globe

After winning the championship, Lin found himself without an NBA contract for the first time in nearly a decade. It was a heartbreaking reality for a player who had given everything to the game. Instead of giving up, Lin took his talents overseas.

In 2019, he signed with the Beijing Ducks in the CBA, where he instantly became one of the league’s most high-profile stars. Lin played three seasons in China before briefly attempting an NBA comeback in the 2020-21 season with the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s G League affiliate. Despite strong performances—averaging 19.8 points and 6.2 assists per game—no NBA team called him up.

From there, Lin moved on to play in Taiwan, first with the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers and later with the New Taipei Kings. Even as he continued to perform at a high level, it became clear that an NBA return as a player was unlikely. However, Lin’s knowledge of the game and leadership skills never faded, and now, he’s getting a chance to showcase them in a different capacity.

A New Chapter: Coaching at the NBA All-Star Weekend

The NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge is a platform designed to showcase the league’s top young talent, along with a select group of G League standouts. Lin has been named the head coach of the G League team, a group featuring promising players such as JD Davison, Mac McClung, Leonard Miller, and Reed Sheppard.

This coaching opportunity is significant for multiple reasons. First, it marks Lin’s return to an NBA environment, something that many thought might never happen again. Second, it signals that the league still values his basketball acumen and leadership, potentially opening doors for him in the coaching world.

Lin’s presence as a coach is also deeply symbolic. As one of the most influential Asian-American players in NBA history, his continued involvement in the league helps pave the way for future players and coaches of Asian descent. His impact goes beyond stats and accolades—he remains an inspiration for underdogs everywhere.

Could Lin Become a Full-Time Coach?

While this is just a one-game event, it raises an intriguing question: Could Jeremy Lin transition into coaching full-time?

Lin has always been known for his high basketball IQ, work ethic, and ability to connect with teammates. These qualities make for a strong foundation in coaching. With his playing career nearing its end, the timing might be right for him to explore this new path.

It’s not hard to imagine Lin eventually taking on a more permanent coaching role, whether in the NBA, G League, or even internationally. Some have speculated that he could return to the CBA as a coach in the future, potentially leading a team in China, where he remains a beloved figure.

The Legacy of Jeremy Lin

No matter what happens next, Jeremy Lin’s legacy is secure. He will always be remembered for defying the odds, breaking barriers, and proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to greatness.

His return to the NBA, even in a coaching role, is a reminder that his story isn’t over yet. Fans who once chanted his name at Madison Square Garden now have another reason to celebrate—Jeremy Lin is back where he belongs, on the NBA stage.