Jeremy Lin has decided on what he plans to do next as far as his professional basketball career is concerned. After seeing his initial try derailed after the Golden State Warriors failed to secure his clearance with FIBA, the 32-year-old cager signed a deal to play in the NBA G-League with Santa Cruz.
The report comes from Sham Charania of The Athletic. For those who followed Lin’s NBA return ambitions, most know that this was the likely route Linsanity had to take.
The original plan was to sign Lin and then assign him to their G-League affiliate. But all that went up in smoke when his clearance was not gotten in time. At that time, the Warriors signed Elijah Pemberton instead.
Guard Jeremy Lin will sign a deal in the NBA G League and play with the Golden State Warriors’ affiliate, Santa Cruz, as he pursues his NBA return, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 7, 2021
But even with that, happening, all was not lost for the American-Asian guard. He could still fulfill his dream of an NBA return although he will need to wait a bit. But the good news is that Lin is closer than ever to making an NBA return – with the same club where it all started.
However, one team that is likely to frown is the Beijing Ducks. After getting much mileage from Lin last season in the Chinese Basketball Association, the Ducks wanted Lin to forget about his NBA dream and return to the CBA.
It was an option for Lin if he had no more chance. When the Warriors deal got spurned, there were speculations that he would return rather than remain idle.
Convincing Lin to return made plenty of sense for the Ducks. He averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists last season and was instrumental in their run. But it was all a temporary move for Linsanity who feels he still has what it takes to play in the NBA.
One thing Lin is giving up is big money. He is unlikely to get the same pay that the Ducks offered. Seeing however that he has endorsements and is well-off, that may hardly matter.
For now, Lin will continue to work hard and hopefully crack the Warriors roster. The Dubs could use some help right now as they try to piece the team back together. If he performs well in the G-League, that precious call up may just happen soon. Hence for one last time, Lin will have to prove his worth and hope for that all-important call-up.
