The NBA Finals haven't even tipped off yet, but one of the most beloved figures in New York Knicks history is already making headlines.
More than a decade after "Linsanity" captivated the basketball world and transformed him into one of the sport's biggest global stars, Jeremy Lin is stepping into a major new role on one of basketball's biggest stages.
The timing couldn't be much better.
As the Knicks prepare to compete in the NBA Finals, the former New York fan favorite is returning to the spotlight in a way few could have predicted when his playing career came to an end.
The Linsanity Story
Lin's journey has always been anything but conventional. From going undrafted out of Harvard to becoming an international phenomenon almost overnight, his story remains one of the most remarkable in modern sports history. Even years after his unforgettable run in New York, Lin continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Knicks fans who witnessed one of the most electrifying stretches the franchise has ever experienced.
Now, with the basketball world focused on the Finals, Lin is preparing for his next chapter.
Jeremy Lin Joins ESPN's NBA Finals Coverage
ESPN announced Tuesday that Lin will join its NBA coverage team as a studio analyst through the 2026 NBA Finals.
According to the network, Lin will make his debut Wednesday night on SportsCenter alongside Scott Van Pelt following Game 1 of the Finals. He will also contribute to "NBA Today," various editions of "SportsCenter" and "Hoop Streams" throughout the championship series.
The opportunity represents another significant step in Lin's post-playing career after officially retiring from professional basketball in 2025.
While Lin has made occasional media appearances in recent years, this marks his highest-profile broadcasting role to date.
Linsanity Remains One of the NBA's Most Memorable Stories
Lin played for nine NBA seasons and won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. But his legacy will forever be connected to what happened during a magical stretch with the Knicks in 2012.
After bouncing between teams and the NBA Development League, Lin unexpectedly entered New York's starting lineup and sparked a seven-game winning streak that captured worldwide attention. The phenomenon became known as "Linsanity," turning Lin into one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet almost overnight.
His incredible rise earned him appearances on the covers of Time and Sports Illustrated, and he was eventually named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
Even today, many Knicks fans view Lin's run as one of the most memorable moments in franchise history.
Lin Is Excited To See Knicks Back On The Biggest Stage
The new role becomes even more fitting considering the Finals matchup.
In a recent USA TODAY article, Lin admitted he's thrilled to see the Knicks competing for a championship and reflected on his own time in New York.
"I always felt like Knicks fans deserve the best performances. They're so passionate," Lin said.
Lin acknowledged that he wishes his Knicks tenure had lasted longer and that injuries prevented him from contributing during the team's 2012 playoff run.
"I genuinely wish that I was able to do more," Lin said. "I genuinely wish that I was able to stay longer."
Despite that, his bond with the franchise remains strong more than a decade later.
Broadcasting Could Be Lin's Next Long-Term Career
According to Lin, the move into television wasn't something he originally envisioned while he was still playing.
However, after making a guest appearance on ESPN's "NBA Today" earlier this year, he discovered a passion for breaking down the game and sharing insights from his own experiences.
"The goal for me is really how do I bring my previous experience and distill the complexities into something simple and digestible for the fans?" Lin explained.
The former NBA champion said he has already sought advice from fellow ex-players turned analysts, including Danny Green, Iman Shumpert and Steve Novak.
Although his current agreement only runs through the NBA Finals, Lin made it clear that he hopes this is just the beginning.
"I definitely have serious interest in trying to do this more and to do this long-term," Lin said.
For Knicks fans, that means one thing.
The face of Linsanity is heading back to basketball's biggest stage, this time with a microphone instead of a jersey.
