- Former NBA champion is fully fit and firing in preseason
- Eyes of basketball world on Lin as Ducks look to him to deliver a fourth CBA title
Jeremy Lin has opened up on how he is adapting to his new life in China after doing a showcase training session at Beijing Ducks' stadium.
The former NBA champion said he has been having fun playing preseason matches after a signing a US$3 million-per-year deal to play for the Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) back in August, sending his Chinese fans into a frenzy.
"As you know, I've had injuries over the past few years. There was no real chance for me to play basketball," he said. "At this time last year, my knees had yet to be completely healed.
"But now I can play basketball with full health, which makes me very happy. Although I've yet to build up an excellent rapport with my teammates, I'm happy as long as I can play basketball with them."
Lin has played two games for the Ducks since joining in August ahead of the new CBA season.
He had 40 points and six rebounds on his debut in Qinghai against the Zhejiang Lions on October 10, though the Ducks lost 94-91. Lin then earned 11 points as the Ducks crushed Jiangsu Dragons 89-68 the next day, also in Qinghai.
Lin outlines NBA return at his Beijing unveiling; says he always wanted to play in CBA
Lin's 40-point opening performance has wowed local media, many of whom said he still belonged in the NBA.
Many also predicted Lin will earn an NBA contract if he continues to show such form, citing examples of multiple players who have made it back to the NBA after stints in China.
Indeed, Jimmer Fredette got a two-year deal from the Phoenix Suns last season after spending the previous three years playing in China.
Born in California to Taiwanese immigrants, Lin made his NBA debut back in 2010 as the first Asian-American to suit up in the league in 63 years " the first was Wat Misaka in 1947.
From 2011-12, the point guard played for the New York Knicks and instantly became a basketball phenomenon, going on an improbable 26-game run leading his team to a 16-10 record and sparking a worldwide craze dubbed "Linsanity".
Lin played eight seasons in the NBA for eight teams. He became the first Asian-American to win an NBA title when Toronto Raptors beat Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA finals in June.
On July 1 he became a free agent, and later that month spoke emotionally about hitting rock bottom. Lamenting the fact he remained unsigned, he said he felt as if the NBA had given up on him.
"I got the chance to become the starting point guard and lead a team in competition. That's the role on pitch that I find the most comfortable," he said on Friday.
"Our defence and attack systems are very smart. Our coach is very smart. Of course, there is much difference to the NBA, like the defence and dribble angle.
"The rules are also different, like the use of foreign players in the first and fourth sessions.
"The differences will affect how the team plays. I'm slowly getting used to these changes. I've learned a lot. It's a fun challenge. I look forward to the start of the CBA season."
With the eyes of the basketball world on Lin, the Ducks will look to win the CBA championship for the fourth time when the 2019 campaign starts on November 1.
Copyright (c) 2019. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.