Jeremy Lin was truly one of the best underdog stories in the NBA. Synonymous with Linsanity, the Taiwanese-American guard broke onto the scene during the 2011-12 season. Going undrafted, it was never going to be an easy journey for Lin, who struggled to find his footing.
Shuffling between the NBA, G League and the CBA, Lin did not let the uncertain future dissuade him. The 6'3" guard left no stone unturned in his preparation, showing visible improvement in his jump shot and physical attributes, something that eventually paid off.
Jeremy finally got his big break with the New York Knicks during the 2011-12 season. A period that saw the inception of the Linsanity phenomenon. A two-week stretch that primarily ran from February 4th to 19th in 2012, which included a seven-game winning streak as well.
During this period, Lin made waves with his 38-point performance at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks hosted the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers . While the basketball world marveled over Linsanity and the 92-85 victory, Metta Sandiford-Artest had other priorities.
The former Lakers forward seemed more concerned about Lin's fashion choices than about his spectacle at the basketball mecca.
"Do we talk about him? Yeah, we talk about him. We think he needs a better haircut. I don't like that style. You're in New York, the fashion capital. Change your haircut, OK? You're a star now. Wear some shades. Shades, OK? Put down the nerdy Harvard book glasses. Put on some black shades, OK? With some leather pants. Change your style. Fashion," advised Metta.
Jeremy's iconic run with the Knicks certainly caught global attention, as evidenced by his appearance on the covers of Sports Illustrated and Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World. His rise to stardom marked a moment of pride among the Asian-American community.
While Sandiford-Artest was critical of Lin's fashion choices, he did give the Knicks guard his flowers.
" Jeremy Lin is a role model! My son is black and Philippine. Asian American... He loves Lincredible... Keep it up, young fella!!!" said the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year.
Nonetheless, he wanted Lin to shed his so-called intellectual image, whether it was replacing reading the New York Times with The Daily News or coming to practice wearing an Allen Iverson jersey and a lit cigar. As the years passed, the veteran guard began experimenting with his looks and wardrobe, using them as a medium for self-expression.
Lin's experimental hairstyles did spark discussion about cultural appropriation. That said, the Taiwanese-American never intended to hurt anyone's sentiments, but saw it as a way to promote cultural diversity. However, this did not stop Kenyon Martin from calling him out.
Martin accused Lin of trying too hard to be black, with the latter having the perfect response .
"Hey, man. It's all good, you don't have to like my hair, and definitely entitled to your opinion. Actually, I legit grateful you sharin' it (to be honest). At the end of the day, I appreciate that I have dreads and you have Chinese tattoos (because) it's a sign of respect. And I think as minorities, the more we appreciate each others' cultures, the more we influence mainstream society," said Jeremy, who at the time played for the Brooklyn Nets .
Linsanity was indeed a pioneer in many ways when it came to the cultural revolution in the NBA, both on and off the court. Having a notable career, he spent nine seasons in the league, winning his maiden championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
