Jeremy Lin broke down in tears and said it feels like the NBA has ‘kind of given up’ on him while going un-signed in free agency

Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Jeremy Lin remains an unsigned free agent.
While speaking at an event in Taiwan, Lin grew emotional, saying it feels like he has hit "rock bottom" and that the NBA has "kind of given up" on him.
Lin said he felt like he didn’t earn his championship with the Toronto Raptors last year because of a limited role and that he’s unsure if he has an NBA future.
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Jeremy Lin grew emotional while discussing his free agency experience during an event in Taiwan.

Lin became an unrestricted free agent this summer after winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors. After a flurry of action in the NBA, Lin remains un-signed with August approaching.

"Free agency has been tough because I feel like in some ways, the NBA has kind of given up on me," Lin said on the TV network GOOD TV.

Lin described his free agency experienced as "rock bottom."

"In English, there’s a saying, and it says, ‘Once you’ve hit rock bottom, the only way is up,’" Lin said, holding back tears. "Rock bottom just seems to keep getting more and more rock bottom for me."

Lin’s entire NBA career has been a whirlwind, as he’s played on nine teams in nine years. After his breakout "Linsanity" season with the New York Knicks, Lin signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Houston Rockets. After playing two years with the Rockets, Lin played on the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets for one season apiece.

In 2016, he signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. He was traded from the Nets to the Atlanta Hawks last season, and midway through the 2018-19 season, he accepted a buyout with the Hawks and joined the Raptors.

Though Lin was expected to play a role as a veteran guard off the bench for the Raptors, he struggled shooting and played limited minutes. During the Raptors’ postseason run, Lin played just 27 minutes.

At the event, Lin said he was dreading his trip to Asia because he knew he would have to put on a happy face while discussing the championship and free agency, neither of which were entirely positive experiences for him.

AP Photo/Chris Szagola"After the season I had to get ready for this Asia trip, and it was the last thing I wanted to do," Lin said. "Because I knew for six weeks I would have to just put on a smile. I would have to talk about a championship that I don’t feel like I really earned. I would have to talk about a future I don’t know if I want to have. And honestly, it’s just embarrassing, and it’s tough."

After Lin’s comments surfaced, Hawks point guard Trae Young offered words of encouragement for Lin.

It’s unclear if there is much of a market for Lin currently, though there are several other NBA players who have not yet signed with teams. Lin could be a late, veteran addition for a team. According to a report in Sportando, Lin is also a top target for Russian team CSKA Moscow, and he likely could have other suitors if he chooses to play overseas.

Watch Lin’s comments below (beginning around the 10:28 mark):

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