This is just a fabulous article by dear friend of the site Spencer Young for Basketball University. I excerpted key parts of the article but if you’re not following Spencer and the great work he does on Basketball University, you’re missing out on some great writing and reporting.

Thank you for writing this article as it touched on the struggle that so many Asian-American basketball player encounter trying to chase their hoop dreams in a racist America. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear how Jeremy’s career has reached a point where he now hopes Asian kids won’t chase the NBA dream he chased.

As a half-Chinese baller, I fell in love with Jeremy Lin and was a proud rider of the Linsanity roller coaster throughout his career. He was the basketball version of Bruce Lee for me and thousands of Asian kids who’ve struggled to get respect on the hardwood. Finally, seeing a Chinese-American kid playing in the NBA!

As a kid who’d been knocked down and brutalized on asphalt courts across Southern California and New York City, trying to prove I belonged, I understand exactly what Jeremy went through. Every Asian baller I know understands the rite of passage and challenge you have to endure at every new court you step upon. Keeping your cool when you’re smashed to the ground after taking a jumper or fouled mercilessly when driving into the paint, much of it racially directed.

I hope in time, Jeremy will realize how much he meant to other Asian hoopers and will assume a different take on his career. He was and will be an inspiration for every Asian or part Asian kid who wants to be a baller and dreams of someday making his high school varsity team or playing in college or even making it to the NBA. Thank you, Jeremy Lin. I will forever be in your debt and a loyal fan.