Jeremy Lin
A Harvard graduate who ignited a global phenomenon called Linsanity, shattering stereotypes about Asian Americans in professional basketball.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Taiwanese-American basketball player·Birthday: August 23·Millennials
Biography
Jeremy Lin's path was a series of closed doors that finally burst open in a New York minute. Undrafted out of Harvard, he bounced between NBA benches and the developmental league, his potential dismissed by many. In February 2012, with the New York Knicks decimated by injuries, coach Mike D'Antoni gave him a chance. What followed was 'Linsanity'—a breathtaking two-week stretch where Lin, playing with fearless joy and tactical brilliance, led the Knicks to a string of victories, scoring at will and captivating the world. It was more than a hot streak; it was a cultural quake that challenged entrenched perceptions of who could be a star in the NBA. His career afterward saw him as a valued journeyman, culminating in an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer who expanded the game's imagination.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jeremy was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jeremy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jeremy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Sparkled the global 'Linsanity' phenomenon in 2012 as a New York Knick, averaging over 20 points and 8 assists during a historic winning streak.
- Became the first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA.
- Won an NBA championship as a member of the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Did You Know?
He is the first Ivy League graduate to play in the NBA since 2003.
Lin slept on his brother's couch and his teammate Landry Fields' couch during the early days of Linsanity.
He won a G League championship with the Santa Cruz Warriors in 2021.
“I just try to play as hard as I can and when I get on the court, I just try to play with all my emotion and all my heart.”
