“After a year in the CBA where I overcame mental barriers from my past, I KNEW I was still an NBA player. Teams all asked if I still had the hunger, health and skill to hang in the NBA. They wanted to see me hoop in-person.

“So I gave up a season overseas to go down to the G League – a move few vets dare make. I’ve always known I need to jump through extra hoops to prove I belong so this was par for the course. I’m really proud of what I accomplished – I killed it in the G League and objectively showed it being a league leader in all categories a PG should and shooting career-highs across the board.”

Lin starred for the Golden State-affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League bubble at Disney World in Orlando. Despite being among the league leaders in scoring, Lin watched as others were given their NBA chance.

Jeremy Lin ‘in contact’ with Chinese basketball teams: reports

“For months, I saw others get contracts, chances, opportunities. I told myself I just need ONE 10-day contract, one chance to get back on the floor and I would blow it out of the water. After all, that’s how my entire career started – off one chance to prove myself.

“For reasons I’ll never fully know, that chance never materialised. But I proved I’m better than ever and an NBA player. And like I’ve said before … dream big dreams, risk big heartache.”

Lin, who has been an outspoken voice amid growing anti-Asian violence in the US, was in reflective mood.

“I’m blessed and had an NBA career beyond my wildest dreams. I had the luxury of taking a year to chase a dream w/o worrying about paying bills. My family, friends, business partners all waited on me as I gave up being a go-to player in China to go back to the G League,” he said.

The 32-year-old played for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association in the 2019-20 season, taking the team to the play-offs during the Covid-19-impacted season and adding to his popularity with Chinese fans.

Lin may have seen his NBA dream end – at least for this season – but he hoped that he has still inspired the next generation.

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“To the next generation of Asian-American ballers – man, I so wish I could have done more on the NBA court to break more barriers – esp[ecially] now – but you guys got next. When you get your shot, do NOT hesitate. Don’t worry whether anyone else thinks you belong. The world never will. If there’s any chance to doubt, they will. But when you get your foot in the door, KICK THAT DOOR DOWN. And then bring others up with you.

“I didn’t get it done, but I have no regrets. I gave my ALL and hold my head high. As for what’s next, I trust what God has in store for me. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’. Thanks to everyone whose rolled w me on this journey. I love my squaddd.”

Lin has been linked with a return to the CBA and is said to be in contact with a number of Chinese teams.