Jeremy Lin pens emotional message to Chinese fans after confirming a move to Golden State Warriors-affiliated G League team
- The former Beijing Ducks star thanks CBA team and league staff after a ‘difficult week with a lot of rumours and news’
- Lin says he prioritised his personal beliefs and dreams to return to NBA ahead of move
The 33-year-old’s move to the G League had been unclear until a new rule was introduced on Friday – now nicknamed the “Jeremy Lin rule” after a return to NBA team Golden State Warriors fell through last month.
“I hope I can tell you directly about me. I have decided to participate in the G-League bubble with Santa Cruz in February and will play 12 games,” said Lin in a translated Weibo post. Last year, the Taiwanese-American left the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) after a season with the Beijing Ducks.
“Although this team is affiliated with the Warriors, I can sign with any team at any time, so I will continue to to my best to become the best.
“I really want to sincerely thank all fans for their continued support. I know this is a difficult week with a lot of rumours and news, but this decision is ultimately based on my beliefs and the pursuit of my dreams.
“I would also like to thank GM Qin [Xiaowen] and Beijing Ducks for their unreserved support in this decision; Yao Ming and the CBA for their help; and all media friends who have maintained interest in my journey,” Lin added before saying he would do live streams on social media over the next two days to answer fan questions.
The “difficult week” Lin mentioned is likely in relation to an aborted effort to get clearance from the CBA, via global governing body Fiba, to complete a return to the US with the Santa Cruz Warriors, despite reportedly agreeing terms.
This eventually led to the establishing of a new rule where NBA parent clubs of G League teams were permitted to give one roster spot to a player with five or more years’ experience in the NBA, per reports from The New York Times.
