It’s official Linsanity is heading to China. The Jeremy Lin Beijing Ducks announcement this Tuesday revealed that the former Raptor has officially signed a deal with the Chinese Basketball Associate team for the upcoming season. "Thanks to the NBA and everyone who's supported me the last 9 years!" Lin said. "Will always cherish being able to rep Asians at the NBA level. Excited for the next step with the Beijing Ducks. Excited to make more history." Lin may be stoked to begin the latest chapter of his basketball journey. However, fans remain split on the news. Typically, when a pro baller opts to play overseas instead of in the NBA, it’s not a high point in their career. Lin admitted back in July that he hit “rock bottom” after he received no offers during the 2019 free-agency season. Most of Lin's fans are calling it bittersweet, but are happy for him as he starts his new chapter. With the exception of a few bitter individuals. Lin was the "team" I rooted for the last nine years. Goodbye NBA— ImPureGiving (@PaulMoonWalker) August 27, 2019 #fucktheducks pic.twitter.com/yL2ScjsTJe— The Wonton Don (@DonnieDoesWorld) August 27, 2019 Thank you @JLin7, not just for the thrill of Linsanity, but for who you are, & for being the role model who inspires so many with your hope, determination, & humanity. This is a new chapter, a new beginning. May you continue to play with joy & peace. I’ll always cheer for you.— K. P. Chan (@chankpc) August 27, 2019 Going to miss you in the NBA I’ll never forget the day I watched you shine in that comeback as a Knick in Madison square garden where Linsanity shined! 🏀— Junior Nguyen (@juni_nguyen) August 27, 2019 I'm sadden that I don't get to watch you play in Toronto anymore but that championship parade was insane and I had the privilege of seeing you on that bus. Will never forget that. Play on and show them what you're made of. Thx for representing Asians with pride and dignity. ❤️— Sophia Luo (@SophiaLuoWriter) August 27, 2019 So sad! CBA will destroy your career soon— John PX (@johnxu1964) August 27, 2019 This is a good move for your career! You’re gonna tear shit up lol!— Kim Madura (@KimMadura) August 27, 2019 Never done!! Prove yourself overseas and get on an NBA roster before the playoffs start!— JLinNBAChamp (@uengmoney) August 27, 2019 Congrats! it's unfortunate that #linsanity will be missing in the @NBA . It was fun watching you play.#ontothenextone— Jessie Bay (@BAYJESSIE) August 27, 2019 Despite the negative opinions of some fans, it can actually be a great career move for NBA players to head to the CBA. Former Knicks star Stephon Marbury made such a name for himself playing in China that they erected a statue in his honour. Marbury gained his reputation while playing for the Ducks, so there’s plenty of opportunity for glory. View this post on Instagram All I can say is THANK YOU to the NBA, my family, inner circle, every fan who came to watch or rooted for me during these last 9 years! To challenge stereotypes, make history, rep Asians at the NBA level and pave the path as others have done for me has been an absolute privilege. Im overwhelmed with gratitude for each person who has been with me each step of the way. Equally excited for this next step with the Beijing Ducks! I always knew my path would go through the CBA solely bc I knew how much of an honor it would be to hoop in front of all my Chinese fans. Im here now and there is more history to be made! Also congrats to @joe_linstagram on a contract extension fresh off a championship with the @fubon_braves ... you're a beast and to be able to sign our contracts on the same day is something Ill forever cherish. Love you lil bro! #linstanation #farfromdone #glorytoGod A post shared by Jeremy Lin 林書豪 (@jlin7) on Aug 27, 2019 at 6:30am PDT Thanks to the NBA and everyone who's supported me the last 9 years! Will always cherish being able to rep Asians at the NBA level. Excited for the next step with the Beijing Ducks. Excited to make more history. Congrats lil bro on signing your contract extension on the same day! pic.twitter.com/gRoalAaoal— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) August 27, 2019 According to Sportsnet, Lin is joining a strong team. The Beijing Ducks have won the CBA title three times over the past eight seasons. Here’s hoping that Lin finds all that he is looking for in his new venture!
