Jeremy Lin is something of a lone wolf in the NBA.
Lin is now in his ninth season in the league and seven years removed from the incredible “Linsanity” phenomenon that took over the league in 2012. Over the years, there have been some Asian players in the NBA — Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian come to mind — but only one remains in the current league. That’s Lin.
Asked what it’s like to be the only Asian in the NBA, Lin told The Undefeated’s Cary Chow that it sucks but can also be amazing.
“At times it kind of sucks,” Lin told Chow. “At other times it’s amazing. Amazing because you get to challenge everyone’s viewpoints and perspectives. I’m rooting for so many more Asians to come in. Last year, when I was with Brooklyn and we had Ding [Yanyuhang] on the summer league team, I was like, ‘Dude, please make the team. We’d have so much fun together during the season.’”
Lin says his interactions with people in the league and throughout the country makes him realize just how much stereotyping still goes on and how little some understand about his culture.
Lin, 30, is now with the Toronto Raptors after clearing waivers following a buyout from the Atlanta Hawks. He’s averaging 10.7 points per game this season. The entire interview is worth a read.
