Four years ago - before Linsanity - nobody outside the most hardcore of basketball fans had heard of Jeremy Lin.
He had spent three years in the NBA since graduating from Harvard University - not known for being a hotbed of NBA talent and was averaging around four minutes playing time per game. Even those minutes usually came when his team, the New York Knicks, were either losing so much that it didn't matter or winning by so much that Lin couldn't mess it up.
He had spent three years in the NBA since graduating from Harvard University - not known for being a hotbed of NBA talent and was averaging around four minutes playing time per game. Even those minutes usually came when his team, the New York Knicks, were either losing so much that it didn't matter or winning by so much that Lin couldn't mess it up.
But in February 2012 a plague of injuries hit New York's roster and so the point guard position was handed over to Lin. And he just exploded. Linsanity was born. He scored 38 points against Kobe Bryant's LA Lakers and for one month in time - became one of the biggest stars in the league. His jersey became the top-seller in the league, he had a feature-length documentary made about him, books written and a queue of Asian fans outside the Madison Square Gardens every night.
Eventually, Linsanity eased off but over the last three seasons. Lin has proven himself a decent level starting point guard in the NBA. He joined the Houston Rockets the season after Linsanity and joined the Charlotte Hornets last year. He's not one of the very best players in the league - but he's a solid contributor - averaging around 11 points per game for the Charlotte Hornets (the team owned by Michael Jordan) last year.
Earnings
Before Linsanity, Lin earned less than $1.1 million combined in the two years he spent in the league. In the three years afterwards - he made over €25 million.
This morning, though, the NBA free-agency window opened (much like the transfer window in the Premier League) and Lin confirmed that he would be bringing his talents back to New York, though this time he has joined the Brooklyn Nets - on a three-year $36 million deal.
The journey continues...thankful for the next chapter!! #Godisgood pic.twitter.com/1PLutlFbyO
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) July 1, 2016
The big prize in NBA free-agency this year, however, is undoubtedly Kevin Durant. The Oklahoma City Thunder star is one of the best three players in the league (behind Steph Curry and LeBron James... but only just) and is out of contract (essentially he can take a Bosman). He's unlikely to leave the Thunder - but is still considering his options and will take meetings over the weekend with the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, the San Antonio Spurs and most intriguingly of all the Golden State Warriors. It's somewhat of a long-shot but the thought of Durant teaming up with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green would be a near-certainty for next year's NBA championship.
Watch this space.
