Jeremy could hardly hold back his tears while mentioning the free agency at 2019 @JLin7 Sharing- #TheWaitingGame tonight.#NeverDone #perseverance pic.twitter.com/4NgTmDXU7v
— Popo Chung (@PopoChung7) July 27, 2019
Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3020439/jeremy-feels-nba-has-given-him-he-opens-about-free-agency-and Basketball
Jeremy Lin feels NBA has ‘given up’ on him as he opens up about free agency and hitting ‘rock bottom’ in tear-filled interview on Taiwan TV
- Audience applauds former Toronto Raptor as he breaks down in tears in frank interview on Christian channel
- Ex-Atlanta Hawks teammate Trae Young backs Lin to bounce back
Former Toronto Raptors player Jeremy Lin, currently a free agent, talks to young Taiwanese players during a basketball clinic in Taipei. Photo: AP
Jeremy Lin has revealed he is finding his current period of free agency difficult in an interview in Taiwan.
The NBA champion and committed Christian appeared on Taiwan’s Christian television channel Good TV’s The Waiting Game and he did not hold back on his feelings.
“Free agency came around and this was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Lin said in English. “Good luck translating it,” he said to the Mandarin translator.
Lin has been a free agent since leaving the Toronto Raptors after winning the NBA championship with them in early June.
He is in Taiwan as part of his annual Asia tour where he has coached children’s clinics, attended promotional events and increasingly opened up about his future.Lin said that he did not want to come to Asia this summer.
“To be honest, I didn’t want to come because I have to face everyone with a smile every day. I want to share the feeling of the championship. In fact, I don't feel that I deserve it. I share one. I don't know if it is the future I want, I feel very shameful."
“Free agency has been tough because I feel like, in some ways, the NBA has given up on me.”
We’re rooting for you, J Lin (: NBA Reddit) pic.twitter.com/pqdJpA3TMp— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 28, 2019
Despite being regarded as one of the most valuable free agents available, he is yet to find a new team.
Lin was applauded by the audience as he broke down in tears as some shouted “we love you” and “you’re the best”.
“Man it’s hard. Life is hard,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to do things the right way. I’ve given more of myself to God every year and it gets harder every year.
Me having @JLin7 as one of my Vets, I’ll tell you I’ll ALWAYS be a fan of him!! Dude can HOOOOP, But is never selfish, it’s always about others and the Team First... The real ones know Bro!! I’ll always have your back... You not done yet #LINSANITY https://t.co/F07NAnuXIt
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) July 28, 2019
“In English there’s a saying, ‘Once you hit rock bottom the only way is up,’’’ Lin said. “But rock bottom seems to get more and more rock bottom for me.”
“Free agency has been tough because I feel like, in some ways, the NBA has kind of given up on me. I always knew that if I gave anyone a reason to doubt, they would.”
The response on social media has been mixed. Former Atlanta Hawks teammate Trae Young offered his support on Twitter, writing that Lin was “not done yet”.
Jeremy Lin is an NBA champion.
Jeremy Lin attended Harvard.
Jeremy Lin has made a lot of money.
Jeremy Lin is also allowed to be upset and/or depressed sans judgement.— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) July 28, 2019
Some fans echoed Young, while others dismissed his concerns based on the US$60 million he has made during his time in the NBA or the fact he won the championship.
As Lin searches for a new team, most reports suggest he may move to CSKA Moscow in the Russian Super League.