Filipino American players will make history in NBA championship series

Two Filipino Americans, the Spurs' Dylan Harper, left, and the Knicks'' Jordan Clarkson will
make history when they play in the National Basketball Association Championship series.

If you want to be a witness to history, watch a basketball game June 3. Not just any game. I'm talking about the championship series of the National Basketball Association where, for the first time, two Filipino American players will play key roles for their respective teams.

Jordan Clarkson of the New York Knicks and rookie Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs will break barriers as the first players of Filipino descent to clash in the NBA Finals.

The two players will ommand the floor as second-unit guards, but they are different stages of their careers as they step onto the NBA's biggest stage:

Jordan Clarkson: The former Sixth Man of the Year adjusted his game this season after signing a minimum deal with New York. While his outside shooting was erratic during the regular season, his veteran poise, physical driving, and surprising offensive rebounding have provided a dependable edge for the Knicks' second unit throughout this deep postseason run. In the past, the 33-year old  has proven with his past teams that he could be an offensive force even though with the Knicks, his numbers are down.

Dylan Harper: The Spurs' 20-year old freshman guard has been a revelation, providing a fearless spark off the bench but he's surprised the coaches and occasionally starts. Despite battling the mental strain of the playoffs and physical soreness, he proved his resilience by hitting crucial shots to help San Antonio survive a grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City during which he elevated his game earning comparisons to the likes of Kobe Bryant and Manu Ginóbili for his instant scoring off the bench.

FYI: Watch the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs live on ABC and stream via the ESPN App. Coverage begins on Wednesday, June 3, with all games tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT).

Both players are proud of their Filipino heritage and the historic nature of their meeting in the championship best-of-seven series. "I think my focus is on these next games, this next series. Obviously, it’s a blessing to represent the Philippines, where I’m from," Harper told reporters after the Spurs' 111-103 Game 7 win.

"I think me and Jordan Clarkson are doing a great job doing that. My biggest thing is to focus on what's in front of me.”

Clarkson has expressed joy and pride over Harper entering the league, noting that they are successfully expanding Filipino representation in the NBA.

Likewise, Clarkson, who plays on the Philippines' national team in FIBA-sponsored tournaments, said he is focused on the games ahead. The last time he played in the NBA finals was in 2018 when he was the Cleveland Cavaliers.

During the regular season, the veteran-laden Knicks hold a 2-1 edge over the energetic youthful Spurs, with each team's victories coming on their home courts.

Never before has a player with Filipino ancestry won an NBA title. With Clarkson and Harper on opposing teams, that streak will be snapped.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. If you find this perspective interesting, please repost.

Clarkson meets Green on the NBA court and makes history

Jordan Clarkson, left, and Jaylen Green made history Thursday.

 

It took a long time -- 75 years -- before two players of Filipino descent met on a National Basketball Association court.

When the Utah Jazz faced the Houston Rockets in the Toyota Center in Houston, history was made when Utah's Jordan Clarkson and Houston's Jalen Green played against each other Thursday evening (Oct. 28).

The night marked the first time two players with Filipino heritage played in the same game. Clarkson’s grandmother is from the Philippines, as does Green’s grandfather.

The outcome of the game -- Utah 122, Houston, 91 -- didn't matter to Filipino American basketball fans on the Rocket's first Filipino Heritage Month. 

The stats don't tell the complete story. Clarkson, the most experience of the two players, wound up with 16 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists. Nineteen-year old Green, ironicly his fifth game in the NBA, ended the evening with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

Since both players were guards, they sometimes found themselves guarding each other. Ironically, Green sported a jersey with "0" on it and Clarkson's number was "00." Despite their similar zero numbers, they scored big with the Filipinos who attended the game. 

In honor of the historic occasion, the Rockets held Filipino Heritage Night at Toyota Center, where T-shirts with Green’s No. 0 were given to each fan. The fans were also treated with an exclusive Q&A with Green. To their delight and surprise, Clarkson came out of the visitors' locker room to join them.

"Just us two being here, it's super inspirational for the youth and every Filipino-American, every Filipino, anybody with Filipino blood," Clarkson said after the game.

Basketball is wildly popular in the Philippines, A basketball court, even with a dirt floor, can be found in the smallest barangay (neighborhood). Every Filipino basketball fan follows Clarkson's feats on the court and his jersey is one of the most popular in the Philippines. He has played with Gilas Pilipinas, one of the pro teams in the Philippines Basketball Association, the NBA's counterpart. 

"When I step on the floor," Clarkson started to say, and then corrected himself to include Green, "when we step on the floor, we know we represent the country, represent our people, and we go out there and do what we do."

"We feel the love, we feel the support," added Clarkson..

Filipino American and NBA history will be made in a basketball game, Oct. 28 Jazz vs. Rockets

When the NBA's Houston Rockets host the Utah Jaz on Oct. 28, expect a lot of Filipino Americans to be sitting in the Toyota Center.

Besides being Filipino Heritage Night, it will be the first time in the history of the sport that two players of Filipino descent play against each other, as the Rockets talented rookie Jalen Green takes on Jazz's outstanding sixth man Jordan Clarkson.

October 28 is the first time the Texas team has held a Filipino Heritage Night. Fans can avail a hat and a special post-game Q&A with Jalen Green. In addition to that, all fans in attendance will be given a special Jalen Green shirt.

The 6'-5" Green, who opted to forego a college scholarship to play in the NBA's G-league, was selected by the Rockets as the second overall pick in this year's NBA draft.

The Rockets aren’t the first to host a Filipino Heritage Night in the NBA. The Brooklyn Nets did a similar event in 2016 when Clarkson visited as a member of the L.A. Lakers visited, in honor of the huge Filipino community in New York and New Jersey. 

The Golden State Warriors , with a fan base drawing from the large Filipino American community in the San Francisco Bay area, has been holding a Filipino Heritage Night annually for years. 

However, the Jazz-Rocket game in Houson will be a bit more special with the meeting of Clarkson and Green.

Green, the Rockets prized rookie guard, is born to a Filipina mother, and has played in the Philippines multiple times, albeit only in exhibition games. Jordan Clarkson's mother is also from the Philippines. 

Jordan Clarkson played for the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games.

Both players may have a chance to be teammates representing the Philippines in FIBA-sanctioned events in the future.

Clarkson has already represented the Philippines in international play, suiting up for them during the 2018 Asian Games and Green has also expressed an interest in doing the same. 

“I love the Philippines. They show me love and support and I’m just happy to represent them," said Green. "I have family out there”.

Filipino American drafted at No. 2 nabbed by Houston Rockets

NBA

No. 2 draft pick Jaylen Green will play for the Houston Rockets.

Overnight, the number of Filipino American players in the NBA doubled -- to two.

Jalen Green, drafted No. 2 by the Houston Rockets Thursday in the NBA's draft in the first round, he joins Jordan Clarkson as the only Filipino American players in the league. The 6 feet, 6 in. guard will join the Rocket's 21-year old veteran Kevin Porter to form one of the youngest backcourts in the league.

“I love the Philippines. They show love and support. I’m just happy to get to represent them. I’m happy that I have family out there and I’m tied into the Philippines so I’m excited, and I hope they’re excited,too,” said Green, whose mother is from the Philippine province Ilocos Sur.

Green, who turned 19-years old on Feb. 9, was the first player to sign with NBA G League Ignite, a team dedicated to the development and mentorship of top young prospects in preparation for the NBA Draft. In 15 G League games last season, he averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.53 steals, and 2.1 3-pointers made. Green tallied 30 points, 7 assists, 5 boards, and 3 steals in the Ignite’s lone playoff game vs. Raptors 905.

As a senior at California’s Prolific Prep in 2019-20, Green averaged 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He was ranked as the No. 1 high school prospect in the Class of 2020 by ESPN and was a McDonald’s All-American.

Green won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup, and 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.Out of high school, 

Althugh highly recruited by colleges while he was in high school, he opted to forego college and join the G-League developmental program. He was one of the first elite prospects to take advantage of the league’s new “professional pathway” program, which he believes offered superior NBA preparation relative to college basketball.

NBA scouts believe he has "significant potential as a scorer," able to hit baskets at all three levels with a quick first-step and able to create his own shot. His defensive abilities needs work, however.

Jeremy Lin will continue his basketball career with the Beijing Ducks

To the delight of his legions of fans in China, Jeremy Lin is back. The Chinese American free agent has signed on with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association.

“Beijing Shougang, I’m back!” the highly popular 32-year old told fans in Chinese on his social media account. Shougang are the owners of the CBA's Ducks.

“No regrets about the past, excited for the future. Still got a lot of basketball left in me and we’ll see where this road goes. Beijing Ducks, excited to be back this upcoming season! Thank you all for going on this journey with me,” he posted on Instagram.

After playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA's G-League hoping to impress an NBA team. However, after the G-League season was over, no team offered him a contract even though his stats were better than some of the minor league players were picked up by an NBA team.

Last month, just before the NBA playoffs began, the veteran player realized that no team was going to give him a chance to return to the NBA. He wrote a long social media post that sounded like he was retiring with no regrets. In a subsequent post, he clarified that he was not retiring from professional basketball, leaving the door open for a return to the CBA where he led the Ducks to the semi-finals last season.

At one point during his 11-year career, Lin was the only Asian American basketball player in the National Basketball League. He signed with the Golden State Warriors in his first year, then bounced around the league with seven other teams. 

The high point of his NBA playing time was for several weeks  during the 2011-2012 season he became a media focus for his spectacular play with the New York Knicks giving rise to "Linsanity." Injuries prevented him from playing with the Knicks during the playoffs and followed him for the rest of his career.

While waiting for an NBA offer, Lin revealed that he was called a racial slur during a G-League game but he never revealed the player's name. Consequently, the California resident became a prominent spokesperson against the anti-Asian racism currently surging throughout the U.S.

Jeremy Lin says the announcement of his retirement was premature

JEREMY LIN

Whoa! It looks like sports journalists jumped the gun. Jeremy Lin is not retiring from professional basketball.

Lin posted a long, cryptic message last week on social media wherein he admitted that he had come to the realization that his attempt to return to the NBA was not going to happen. It sounded like the end of his career.

He wrote: "I didn't get it all done, but I have no regrets," Lin wrote. "I gave my ALL and hold my head high. As for what's next, I trust what God has in store for me … Thanks to everyone whose rolled with me on this journey. I love you all."

“It wasn’t my official retirement, but it was definitely something where I’m kind of realizing that there’s not much else I can do to prove that I belong in the NBA,” Lin told The Spin.

At one time, he was the only Asian American in the National Basketball League.

Since he began his career 11 years ago when he went undrafted after a stellar 4-year stint at Harvard, he played played for the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. He last appeared in a game for the 2018-19 Raptors that won the NBA title.

The high point was a few weeks with the Knicks when he started in place of the team's starting guard. He was nothing short of spectacular. For 26 games, he was the toast of the town. Linsanity was born.

Unfortunately, an injury kept him from playing in the playoffs and he was never able to regain the consistent winning form of Linsanity.

After playing part of the season with the Raptors, where he earned helped earn a championship, no NBA team picked up his contract so he spent a year playing for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association. 

Last year he turned down a huge contract to return to the Ducks so he could audition for the NBA by playing in the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors. He was among the top ten scorers in the league. He watched as the other top scorers were called up by NBA teams. When he didn't get that call, he came to the realization that his NBA dream may be over.

But, he says, he's not retiring and his mulling over his options.  “Every challenge that I’ve been given, every ask of me I’ve done and I’ve performed well, so for me, it’s kind of realizing, hey, it doesn’t really matter what I do,” Lin says.

Jeremy Lin may just have retired; passes torch to next generation of AAPI players in the NBA

Jeremy Lin's dream of a return to the NBA may have just ended.

After a roller-coaster nine-year career in the National Basketball League, Jeremy Lin has left his future up in the air. In a long, heartbreaking social media post, the Asian American b-baller has given up on his dream to return to the NBA.

After a year in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playing for the Beijing Ducks, Lin took a tremendous pay cut and assured glory to play in the G-League, the NBA's minor league, to prove to coaches and managers that he still had the passion and skill to play with a pro-team.

Although he played well for the Santa Cruz Warriors, associated with the Golden State Warriors, he waited and waited for a call from and NBA team. He watched other players that he actually outplayed in the G-League get called up ... and he continued to wait. He never got the call.

The date he had called his final deadline, May 16, came and went.

Finally, the realization hit him, and he issued the following post Tuesday night on his social media accounts: 

May 16th. In my mind was an imaginary circle around this date for an NBA callup. The final deadline.

After a year in the CBA where I overcame mental barriers from my past, I KNEW I was still an NBA player. Teams all asked if I still had the hunger, health and skill to hang in the NBA. They wanted to see me hoop in-person.

So I gave up a season overseas to go down to the G League - a move few vets dare to make. Ive always known I need to jump through extra hoops to prove I belong so this was par for the course. Im really proud of what I accomplished - I killed it in the G League and objectively showed it being a league leader in all the categories a PG should and shooting career-highs across the board.

For months, I watched as others got contracts, chances, opportunities. I told myself I just need ONE ten-day contract, one chance to get back on the floor and I would blow it out the water. After all that's how my entire career started - off one chance to prove myself.

For reasons I'll never fully know, that chance never materialized. But I proved Im better than ever and an NBA player. But like I've said before... dream big dreams, risk big heartache.

I know I'm blessed - I've had an NBA career beyond my wildest dreams. I've had the luxury of taking a year to chase a dream w/o worrying about paying bills. My family, support team, business partners all waited on me as I gave up being a go-to player in China to go back to the G League.

To the next generation of Asian American ballers - Man, I so wish I could have done more on the NBA court to break more barriers - especially now - but you guys got next. When you get your opportunity, do NOT hesitate. Don't worry whether anyone else thinks you belong there. The world never will. When you get your foot in the door, KICK THAT DOOR DOWN. And then bring others up with you.

I didn't get it done this season, but I have no regrets and hold my head high. As for what's next, I trust what God has in store for me. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Thanks to everyone whose rolled w me on this journey. I love you all.

 

 

NBA reportedly investigating racist incident against Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin is currently playing with the Santa Cruz Warriors in his comeback attempt.

The National Basketball League is investigating a claim made by Jeremy Lin that he was called "coronavirus" during a game, an official from the NBA's G League told ESPN's Marc J. Spears on Friday.

Former NBA player and currently playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors, Lin took to Facebook on Thursday night to speak out against the surge of hate crimes experienced by Asians and Asian Americans in the United States.

In his Facebook post, Lin wrote: "Being a 9 year NBA veteran doesn't protect me from being called 'coronavirus' on the court."

“Something is changing in this generation of Asian Americans,” Lin wrote on Facebook. “We are tired of being told that we don’t experience racism, we are tired of being told to keep our heads down and not make trouble. We are tired of Asian American kids growing up and being asked where they’re REALLY from, of having our eyes mocked, of being objectified as exotic or being told we’re inherently unattractive.

“We are tired of the stereotypes in Hollywood affecting our psyche and limiting who we think we can be. We are tired of being invisible, of being mistaken for our colleague or told our struggles aren’t as real. … I want better for my niece and nephew and future kids. I want better for the next generation of Asian American athletes than to have to work so hard to just be “deceptively athletic.”

Lin didn’t go into specific details about being called “coronavirus” on the court — without saying when or where this happened. Kerr said it was brought to his attention Friday night that Lin had expressed his dismay publicly.

Like most Asians and Asian Americans, Lin has watched the videos of people attacking Asian elderly and has been deeply affected.

"After a while, I feel bad,” Lin said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “I feel bad for someone who harbors hate for somebody else who they’ve never met just based on skin color or, I don’t even know. It makes me want to do something and it makes me want to educate people, or I don’t know, speak out and find ways to make a difference. Honestly it goes from anger to just heartbreak.”

His entire social media posting follows:

Lin was the first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA. After graduating from Harvard in 2010, he signed up with the Golden State Warriors. 

In 2011, he played with the New York Knicks coming off the bench. for a stretch of games he was sensational and NYC's fans and media went crazy for him and Linsanity was born.

Hobbled by injuries, he bounced around the league, unable to capture the magic of Linsanity.

In 2019, no NBA team signed him up so he played for the Beijing Ducks, a  team in the Chinese professional basketball league. 

This year, the 32-year old turned down a multi-million offer from the Ducls to play in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, affiliated with the Golden State Warriors. He hopes to prove that he still can play at a level that an NBA team would express interest in signing him up.

Filipino American coach brings Miami Heat to NBA finals

Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelsra heading to NBA finals.

Eric Spoelstra, the first and only Asian American manager of a major sports franchise, will be returning to the National Basketball League finals after a 7-year absence.

The 50-year old Filipino American head coach last led the Miami Heat to two consecutive NBA championships in 2012 and 2013.

He returns to the finals after his current team beat the Boston Celtics Sunday evening, 125-113, four games to two, at the NBA's coronavirus-free bubble in Orlando, Florida. The Heat will play and the Los Angeles Lakers will begin the championship sseries Wednesday with the Heat playing the role of underdog.

When the Spolestra-led Heat won the two championships, the team had the NBA's first super-team with three sure Hall of Fame players on its roster: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosch.

This time, James will be on the opposing team along with another superstar, 6 foot, 10-inch power forward Anthony Davis.

Spoelestra's team was ranked 5th in the playoff charts and had to upset the No. 1 team, the Milwaukee Bucks. to reach the finals. With a collection of merging players led by star Jimmy Butler, the Heat are decided underdogs in the David vs. Goliath matchup.

When the NBA began staging Filipino Heritage Month several years ago, Spoelstra, whose mother is from the Philippines, was thrilled. “At first, I thought it was just going to be with us. and then I found out Golden State was involved and then I found out it was going to be honored around the NBA, I had goosebumps thinking about it,” Spoelstra said.

“Obviously, my heritage is really important to me and my family and I’m proud to be Filipino. But when it’s recognized in the NBA it’s such a special thing.”

Pro-sports returning as athletes score a strong point for racial justice

Before deciding to postpone the playoffs, the NHL sported this message with a moment of silence.

After minority players sent a letter to the National Hockey League, the league postponed the Stanley Cup playoff games Thursday and also tonight (Aug. 28).

The NHL joined other professional sports leagues in protesting social injustices that are happening in the country. The Stanley Cup playoffs will resume Saturday.

The NHL decision came after it received a letter from the Hockey Diversity Alliance, composed of hockey players of color. The HDA tweeted:

“We the @TheOfficialHDA have formally requested the @NHL to suspend all playoff games today. We strongly feel this sends a clear message that human rights take priority over sports.”

"This must be clear! This is not a league mandated action this has been solely driven by its PLAYERS and damn I’m proud to stand with them!" said Matt Dumba, the sole Filipino Canadian playing in the NHL and co-founder of the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

“It makes me so proud to be an NHL player and see that this is player-driven action,” tweeted Dumba, a wingman for the Minnesota Wild, which are in the playoffs.

The action involves all eight remaining teams — scheduled for Thursday and Friday night. At deadline, no announcement was made i how and when the games will be made up.

Founded in June of 2020, the Hockey Diversity Alliance seeks to “eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey.” It aims to not only improve race relations in hockey now, but clean up the sport for future generations to ensure the sport is more accessible and inclusive to everyone.

RELATED: Brooklyn Nets owners Joe and Clara Wu Tsai pledge $50-million to a social justice fund.

The protest by professional athletes began when the Minnesota Timberwolves said they would not play in a Wednesday night playoff game against the Orlando Magic. That sparked a players meeting in the NBA's "bubble" in Orlando, Fla. where teams have been isolated to play out a semblance of a season. The athletes decided to not play. Since then, the players negotiated with the league to resume the playoff schedule beginning Saturday.

The Women's National Basketball League followed suit in suspending play.

The NBA action spurred players in other sports to similar action. Most scheduled games in Major League Baseball were not played Wednesday and some teams continued the strike Thursday. By Friday, all MLB games had resumed.

Naomi Osaka, who made the semifinals in the Western & Southern Open, withdrew from the tournament Wednesday will be returning to the court Friday. 

“Watching the continued genocide of Black people at the hand of the police is honestly making me sick to my stomach.” said Osaka, whose father is from Haiti.

Naomi Osaka sat out Thursday in her tournament but is returning to the court Friday.

In response, tournament suspended all matches on Thursday and released this statement: “As a sport, tennis is collectively taking a stance against racial inequality and social injustice that once again has been thrust into the forefront in the United States.” Play is resuming on Friday.

By Thursday afternoon, Osaka told The Guardian, "I was (and am) ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent. 

"However, after my announcement and lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA, I have agreed at their request to play on Friday. They offered to postpone all matches until Friday and in my mind that brings more attention to the movement. I want to thank the WTA and the Tournament for their support."

The demonstrations by the athletes, while it might not have accomplished much in terms of lasting reform, used their popular platforms to bring attention to the racial injustice and need for police reform in the U.S. after police in Kenosha, Wis. shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, in the back seven times as he was getting into his car. Blake is recovering but is paralyzed, said his father.

The Kenosha incident was the latest in a long list of examples of police using excessive force against Blacks, in particular. 

The straw that broke the camel's back for many athletes of color occurred Tuesday evening when a white teenager shot and killed two demonstrators, then proceeded to walk through police lines, who allowed him to walk away from the scene without incident. Hours later, 17-year old Kyle Riddenhouse was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide.

The forceful treatment of Blacks by police, exemplified by the videotaped killing George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, gave impetus to a -- thus-far -- summer-long series of demonstrations across the country against the excessive response of police and a call for reform.

Another Filipino high school basketball player signs up with the G League

Kai Sotto towered over his opponents in the Philippines.

Another Filipino straight out of high school has decided to skip college and sign up the NBA's G League.

Center Kai Sotto, a 7'2" prospect out of the Philippines, is following in the footsteps of another Filipino American highschooler, Jalen Green, who is also foregoing the traditional college route before turning pro.

The two will be teammates playing for a team based in Southern California. They met earlier when Californian Green played in the Philippines. 

"He played in the Philippines twice and we actually met in some FIBA tournaments," said Sotto to ESPN. "We're good friends. We talked a lot when he was in the Philippines. The first time he was there, he was the one who told me that I should play here in America."
Sotto turned 18 years old on Monday, April 11. He wants to become the first NBA player born in the Philippines. 

Sotto will become the G League’s first international player, according to journalist Shams Charania of The Athletic website.

The center, who turned 18 on Monday, is being heralded as potentially becoming the first fully-Filipino NBA player and he took a step closer to his dream on Monday by signing for the development league.

“There hasn't been any full-blooded Filipino that has been to the NBA and I just want to be the first one and I just want to show everyone that we can also make it,” Sotto told Bleacher Report in a mini-documentary earlier this year.

It is a move that could be worth more $500,000 over a one-year deal reports ESPN. Gaining experience in the G League will allow Sotto to develop and acquaint himself to the American-style of basketball.

"I'm really looking to develop] my strength and confidence to play against professional basketball players here in [the United States of America. And I think it will be a great preparation for me when it comes to the NBA," Sotto told ESPN.
Currently, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is the only Filipino American in the NBA.

Previously, Raymond Townsend, was the only Filipino American to play in the pros splitting three seasons with the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers.

Jeremy Lin to play basketball for a Chinese pro-team

Jeremy Lin didn't quit the NBA, the NBA quit him. He signed with the Beijing Ducks yesterday.

ASAM NEWS

It’s official. Jeremy Lin has signed to play basketball overseas with the Beijing Ducks, reports ESPN.

The deal ends for now, his nine year career in the NBA.

The Ducks made the announcement today (Aug. 27), saying it was in the process of finalizing all the paperwork. No word yet on how much Lin will make although earlier rumors had him agreeing to a $3-million contract.

Last season he played for three different teams and earned $13.8 million, according to Spotrac. That’s just slightly less than the $14.9 million contract he signed with the Lakers in 2014-2015-his best year salary wise.

Back in July, the Harvard grad hinted that he would be leaving the NBA when he declared “the NBA has kind of given up on me.”

Lin has a supersized following on social media and is considered a rock star in China. “Beijing, I’m coming,” he declared on the Chinese social media app Douyin.

Today, he posted a picture of himself in wearing his new jersey alongside his brother, who signed with the Fubon Braves, who play in the same league. Jeremy Lin, although born and raised in California, speaks fluent Mandarin.

Lin last season became the first Asian American player to win an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors. Although he got little playing time in the playoffs, he averaged 7 points per game during the regular season for the Raptors. Over his nine seasons, he averaged 11.6 points per game and 4.3 assists.

In late July, during a @&A with fans in Taiwan, he became emotional while discussing his then-ongoing free agency: “I feel in some ways like the NBA has given up on me.”

He’s joining a team that has won three league titles in the Chinese Basketball Association and is considered a powerhouse. Former NBA star Stephon Marbury led the team to league championships in 2012, 2014 and 2015. Marbury, who retired at the end of the 2017-18 season, is now the head coach of the Ducks' rival team -- the Beijing Royal Fighters.

"I always knew my path would go through the CBA, solely because I knew how much of an honor it would be to hoop in front of all my Chinese fans," Lin said in his Instagram post. "I'm here now and there is more history to be made!.'

With Lin's departure from the NBA, Filipino American Jordan Clarkson of the Cleveland Cavaliers becomes the only Asian American player in the pros. At one time when both Lin and Clarkson played for the Los Angeles Lakers, the tandem formed the first all-Asian American starting backcourt.

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The real story why b-baller Jeremy Lin Isn't In the NBA

Jeremy Lin reinjures his knee while playing for the New York Nets.

Here's one for you real basketball fans who want to get into the intracacies and subtleties of the game you love or anyone who has followed Jeremy Lin's career for the past 10 years.

Coach Nick takes a deep dive into the footage to find out why no team has invited Lin to play for them in the upcoming season.

Lin is in Taiwan right now pondering what the future holds for him. A free agent, no NBA team has offered him a position even though, as this breakdown shows, he clearly still has the skills and could prosper in the right kind of system barring injury.

When Linsanity hit, Jeremy Lin was on top of the world, giving hope to all New York Knicks fans. But his journey became complicated by bad situations and poor team fits, and it's left Lin confused and upset as no team is willing to offer him a contract.

Maybe somebody like Coach Kerr of the Golden State Warriors will spot this and offer Lin a chance to play in the preseason to see if he fits into his system, which requires quickness and unselfish play. An occasional 3-ball won't hurt as well.

Its obvious that Lin can still play ball but due to coaching strategies or indifferent players that didn't utilize Lin's skills properly, the Taiwanese American is coming to the realization that he may have played his last game in the NBA If that's the case, at least he's leaving after winning an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors.

RELATED: What's race got to do with basketball credibility. Evidently, a lot

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Returning 'home,' Toronto Raptor's Jeremy Lin still invisible,

ASAM NEWS

When the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors meet this Thursday in the National Basketball Association's champiionship best-of-seven games series, Jeremy Lin will have completed a circle. The Bay Area native went undrafted after graduating from Harvard before the Warriors signed him.

That was nine seasons ago. Since then movies have been made about Lin. He’s been on the cover of Sports Illustrated and he makes millions as one of the few Asian American to play in the NBA. Yet, like so many Asian Americans, he remains invisible.

Sportsnaut reports a security guard stopped Jeremy Lin from boarding the team bus of the Toronto Raptors after a recent playoff game in Milwaukee.

RELATED: Are the Golden State Warriors Asian America's team?

He’s like, ‘Where do you think you’re going?!’And I’m like, ‘Uh, I’m trying to get to the team bus,’ Lin recalled on the Bill Michaels Sports Talk Network. “He’s like, ‘What?! Where’s your pass?’ I was like, ‘I don’t have a pass. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have a pass.’”

It’s the same type of story Lin recalled in the movie Linsanity during his first few weeks playing for the New York Knicks in 2011. That was eight years ago. You’d think people hired to provide security for an NBA sports team would have heard about Lin by now.

Lin is headed to the NBA finals with the Toronto Raptors. Barring injury, he’s not expected to get much playing time. He’s only played a total of 26 minutes for the Raptors during this playoff run.

The South China Morning Post reports Lin is getting encouragement from fans, telling him they hope he gets more playing time.

Lin made his NBA debut in 2010 and as the first AsianA merican to play in the NBA. When he checked in he received a warm ovation at Oracle Arena. Lin hardly played, appearing in just 29 games for the Warriors, who at the time dwelled near the cellar of the NBA. 

Lin was later traded to the New York Knicks and went on a dynamic six-week run of high scoring games and dramatic moments, dubbed “Linsanity.”

Views From the Edge contributed to this report.

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Jordan Clarkson sends emotional message to his Filipino teammates

INSTAGRAM

Jordan Clarkson, (No. 6) celebrates with the Philippine national basketball tem.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS GUARD Jordan Clarkson on Saturday took to social media to offer an emotional reaction to his brief tenure with the Philippines team that he played with in the recently concluded Asian Games. 

When the Games began, Clarkson, who is part Fililpino, wasn't sure he would be eligible to play for the national team of the Philippines because of the NBA's archaic rules. At the last minute, the NBA relented and allowed Clarkson and two members of China's team to play in the Asian Games in Indonesia.

The Philippine team didn't do as well as they wanted, finishing fifth overall. Clarkson was a major part of the team’s success, averaging 26.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists.  In the final match last Friday, Clarkson played his best game with 29 points, included five 3-pointers.

Cavalier fans who have followed Clarkson's exploits hope the international experience will give the Filipino America, one of only two Asian Americans in the NBA, a foundation to build on and restore his confidence after a disappointing first season with the Cavs last year.

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NBA highlights Chinese New Year in its marketing strategy

The Boston Celtics Kyrie Irving is featured in this year's commercial for Chinese New Year.

ASAM NEWS

OVER THE LAST few years, the NBA has made it a tradition to introduce a commercial featuring various NBA players marking the Chinese New Year.
Clearly the league has the Chinese market in its sights. But all skepticism aside, the commercials are well done and a pleasure to watch.

This year’s spots are entitled Fireworks and feature superstars Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard. Here’s one with Irving in the spotlight.

One of the Warriors jerseys feature a 'Year of the Dog' theme.

Jeremy Lin has starred in previous years, but with the Brooklyn Net point guard out for the season, he sat out this year’s promotion. However, he is participating in a Weibo chat. He will be at a traditional Chinese New Year dinner and taking questions from fans on February 6. He will also be seen on NBA’s China television and digital platform in a film short, Jeremy Lin: Roots.

RELATED: 

• The Golden State Warriors Asia connection
• Filipinos make up a third of Warriors' Facebook friends

According to Fansided, 12 NBA teams will be hosting Chinese New Year celebrations this year. Those teams are the 76ers, Bulls, Cavaliers, Clippers, Kings, Knicks, Raptors, Rockets, Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors have been particularly aggressive in wooing the Asian market. The team played several pre-season games in China this fall. For the past several years, the Warriors sent some of its stars, including Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to Asia.

China remains the NBA’s biggest market, according to the league, which maintains offices across Asia, including China, the Philippines, and India. The NBA’s partnership with China Central Television, the country’s national TV station, dates back more than three decades, the league said.

Last season, more than half of the China's roughly 1.4 billion people watched NBA programming on television in China, according to the league. It’s also the most followed sports league on Chinese social media, with more than 141 million followers.

“The NBA Chinese New Year Celebration has become a wonderful occasion for the league to celebrate and connect with Chinese fans around the world,” NBA China CEO David Shoemaker said in a statement.

(Views From the Edge contributed to this report.)

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