Knicks Icon Jeremy Lin Returns to NBA in a Key Role for ESPN

Once upon a time, Jeremy Lin, despite never becoming an All-Star in his career, became one of the most beloved Asian players in the NBA. Lin proved that if given the right opportunity, any player can shine brightly under the spotlight. Unfortunately for him, his career was short-lived after only playing nine seasons in the league. However, this was mainly due to nagging injuries that got in the way.

The last time we saw Lin in the league was in the 2018-19 season. Seven years have passed since then, and Lin is officially making his NBA comeback, this time as an analyst. ESPN officially announced on Thursday that Jeremy will join the broadcast team as a regular contributor.

"Former NBA Champion Jeremy Lin joins ESPN as an analyst to contribute regularly to NBA Today; will serve as game analyst," ESPN wrote on X.

This wouldn't be the first time Lin has joined the ESPN team. Earlier in June, Jeremy made his on-air debut on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt. He served as a guest analyst for the 2026 NBA Finals and NBA Today.

Then, in July, ESPN called him again, this time to work as a commentator for the 2026 NBA Summer League. Apparently, ESPN was thrilled with what Lin has brought to the table over the last couple of months and offered him a full-time role on the team earlier this October.

The details of Lin's contract have not been disclosed. However, fans can expect to see him as a full-time studio analyst next to the likes of Kendrick Perkins, Malika Andrews, and whoever else will be on NBA Today in a particular airing.

Looking Back at Jeremy Lin's Historic Run With the Knicks

Before his NBA career began in 2010, Jeremy Lin used to play for the Harvard Crimson. During his time there, he never received any major scholarships or endorsements, which resulted in him going undrafted in the NBA.

He initially played for the Golden State Warriors in only 29 regular-season games before getting waived by the team in December 2011 at the start of the 2011-12 season.

Then, in December 2011, the New York Knicks offered him a league-minimum contract worth $788,872. While the Knicks simply wanted to fill a roster spot, little did they know that they had found a gem.

On Feb. 4, 2012, Lin was given the opportunity to prove what he could do on the floor. The Knicks took on the New Jersey Nets at the time when Lin checked in during the first quarter. He ended the game on a high note, finishing with 25 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. He shocked his team enough to earn a starting spot with the Knicks in their next game.

Since then, 'Linsanity' was born. He took over New York in the next couple of weeks, dropping 28 points against the Utah Jazz, stunning Kobe Bryant with an explosive 38 points, and hitting the game-winning 3-pointer against the Toronto Raptors.

Throughout his first five NBA starts, he racked up 136 points; that's the most in the modern NBA era.