Jeremy Lin Inks Deal With China To Play For Beijing Ducks

Lin Inks Deal w/ China To Play For Beijing Ducks

Veteran point guard, Jeremy Lin signed a deal with an overseas professional team on Tuesday, according to reports. Lin, the first Asian-American to win an NBA title, will take his talents to the Beijing Shougang Ducks, bringing one of China’s favorite basketball players to its domestic league. Lin took to Twitter and shared his appreciation for his near decade opportunity to play here in the United States. He writes,

“Thanks to the NBA and everyone who’s supported me the last 9 years! Will always cherish being able to rep Asians at the NBA level. Excited for the next step with the Beijing Ducks. Excited to make more history. Congrats lil bro on signing your contract extension on the same day!“

In a statement, Ducks club chairman Qin Xiaowen says on Lin returning to China,

“Jeremy joining the Beijing Ducks men’s basketball shows his confidence in us and is an honour, we sincerely welcome him.”

The young kid that sparked the ‘Linsanity‘ era in 2012, delivered a series of high-scoring performances launching him into a global sensation. Lin went on to win his first title with the Toronto Raptors last year.

During a TV appearance in Taiwan in July, an emotional Lin described a sense of hopelessness.

“In English there’s a saying, and it says once you hit rock bottom, the only way is up, but rock bottom just seems to keep getting more and more rock bottom for me. So, free agency has been tough. Because I feel like in some ways the NBA’s kind of given up on me.”

In 2016, Lin signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the Nets, but injuries marred his time in Brooklyn. Lin was traded to the Hawks before last season. He was waived in February then signed with the Raptors. The Ducks have been a CBA powerhouse winning three league titles while led by former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury.

Congratulations to Jeremy Lin!