NBA champion Jeremy Lin explains China return – Covid-19, visa forced deadline
- ‘Why so soon? With the visa situation, quarantine and the start of the season I had my deadline that I had to decide by,’ star tells fans
- The 32-year-old also marks two years since winning the NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors
“Just excited to announce I’m signing with the Beijing Ducks this year and I know a lot of you guys might be wondering why, why so soon? With the visa situation, with the quarantine and the start of the season I had my deadline that I had to decide by.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Ducks. I think for me I’m really proud of my NBA career, I’m proud and thankful to all the fans, you guys who supported me along the way.
“It was a great nine years and for the last two years, last two off-seasons, I’ve kind of pursued the NBA comeback – even last season, the G League.”
Lin’s video message came almost two years to the day that the 32-year-old won the NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors.
‘I’m back’ – Jeremy Lin returns to China with Beijing Ducks
He has not played in the NBA since, despite his attempts to make a comeback this season and starring in the NBA G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Instead, he will return to the CBA with the Ducks, who he took to the play-offs in the 2019-20 season before returning to the US for another shot at the NBA.
“But to me I have something great in Beijing. The Ducks have always treated me with open arms, so I am just excited to get back on the court. See you guys in October.”
Lin marked the two-year anniversary of his NBA championship win on social media – “2 years ago today!!, he wrote on Instagram with a photo of him lifting the NBA trophy in his Toronto uniform.
He also posted a trophy emoji and the team’s “We The North” hashtag.
