Jeremy Lin's first season with the New Taipei Kings was a resounding success in the end, but it didn't come without incredible challenges for the former NBA sensation.
Jeremy Lin’s first season with New Taipei was a rousing success, with the former NBA sensation teaming up with his brother Joseph to help the Kings win their first-ever P.LEAGUE+ crown.
Earlier this week, New Taipei completed its title romp, beating the top-ranked Taoyuan Pilots in the Finals, 4-1.
But amid the incredible success, Lin says the season was among the toughest of his career.
“This year was easily one of my toughest in my 14 years as a pro. We dealt with everything - nonstop injuries, suspensions, people leaving, deep internal issues, public opinion turning on us, having a target on our backs. There were so many times I couldn’t see how this season would turn out well and felt like losing hope,” Lin said in a lengthy Instagram post to mark the victory.
Earlier this year, Lin suffered through a lingering foot injury that caused him to miss a chunk of time, including New Taipei’s East Asia Super League Final Four campaign in Cebu.
He also ended up missing Game 4 of the Finals with a separate knee-related injury.
The rough patch also almost cost the Kings a P.LEAGUE+ playoff berth, before eventually qualifying as the no. 4 seed. The trying season certainly took a toll on the former NBA guard.
“Even after the long career I’ve had, my pre-game anxiety came back strong this year. Once again God was forcing me to trust. So many of us poured so much into this team, but at the end of the day the results were not in our hands but God’s,” he wrote.
All’s well ends well though, and Jeremy won his first professional title since 2019, when he was a member of the Toronto Raptors that claimed the NBA championship.
Sharing the championship with his brother made it all the more special.
“To win a championship with my lil bro is truly a special feeling. All the hours spent on our backyard hoop, all the time spent at each other’s games growing up, all the work we put in training together and supporting each other through the ups and downs of a pro bball career,” Lin wrote.
“We’ve seen each other through the roughest times, had the toughest conversations and worked endlessly at protecting our brotherhood from being affected by everything else going on. To end the season on top with our parents and loved ones watching...my heart is so full.”