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Kaohsiung 17LIVE steelers’ Jeremy Lin chipped in 21 points, 13 assists and 6 rebounds in his P. League+ debut against Formosa Taishin Dreamers. Photos: Handout
SportBasketball

Jeremy Lin opts against retirement – but Taiwan return is still up in the air for former NBA champ

  • NBA veteran decides to keep on playing for a 14th season after ‘taking six weeks to process it all’
  • Taiwanese P League+ franchise the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers are still hopeful of re-signing the 34-year-old
Jeremy Lin
Nicolas Atkin
Nicolas Atkin
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Former NBA champion Jeremy Lin has decided to continue playing on for a 14th season after six weeks spent contemplating retirement.

After his Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers side failed to reach the Taiwanese P League+ play-offs in May, the former New York Knicks star said he could not guarantee he would play next season, calling it a “year by year decision”.

But 34-year-old Taiwanese-American Lin has decided to return to the court once more – though he is still uncertain in which league or for which team.

“After taking six weeks to process it all, I’m ready to get back on the court and prepare for the 2024 season, wherever that may be,” Lin wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday.

“This isn’t about proving anything to anyone, clout chasing or solidifying legacy. This is all about joy for basketball and sharing Jesus’ love to people through the game. Year 14, let’s get it.”

 
Lin, who won the NBA Finals with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, joined the Steelers in late January, with the club rooted to the bottom of the league, having won just twice in 15 games.

The veteran point guard soon sparked a revival that saw them narrowly miss out on the play-offs, and seemingly rediscovered his love for the game after a career slump which saw him cast off by the Chinese Basketball Association’s Guangzhou Loong Lions.

“To the Steelers, Kaohsiung and my fans, I showed up mentally and emotionally battered and broken, coming off 4 straight seasons of adversity on and off the court,” Lin added in his social media post.

“I was ready to finish the 2023 season and potentially walk away from the game. I was 100 per cent at peace with everything I had given and accomplished in the game.

Jeremy Lin takes the ball forward during the first quarter of his side’s game against Formosa Taishin Dreamers.

“But over those three months as a Steelers player I grew a renewed belief in my skills and re-found childlike joy for the game. Thanks to all the fans who gave me some of my happiest moments on the court. I appreciate everyone for showering me with love and for helping me get back to being me.”

Steelers owner Tony Chin To told the Post last week that the Taiwanese franchise are looking to re-sign Lin for another season.

“We are trying our best [to bring him back],” Chin said. “Lin obviously enjoyed playing in Taiwan. We also have similarities in terms of our willingness in giving back to the community. Our general manager Kenny Kao is working around the clock.”

Lin averaged 26.32 points, 8.89 assists and 8.47 rebounds for the Steelers in 19 games. He also earned the player-of-the-month award for three straight months from March, as well as taking the weekly award nine times – both league records.

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