Former New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin is set to bring his “Linsanity” to the NBA Finals, joining the ESPN broadcast team as an analyst for the Knicks-Spurs series.
The 37-year-old is looking forward to kickstarting his broadcasting career with what he believes is a special opportunity.
Former Knicks Star Jeremy Lin Joins ESPN Broadcast Team for NBA Finals
Lin carved his name into the Knicks folklore with a special run during the 2011-12 season. The 6-foot-3 guard enjoyed a remarkable ascendancy during his lone season with the Knicks and sparked a stunning turnaround in New York.
After an NBA career that spanned nine seasons and a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Lin will return to the Madison Square Garden as the Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
Lin will serve as an analyst for ESPN during the Knicks-Spurs series and is slated to appear on SportsCenter and NBA Today. The Harvard alum is hopeful that this will be the star of a long-term career in broadcasting.
“I definitely have serious interest in trying to do this more and to do this long-term. Honestly, I’m just really grateful to ESPN for these opportunities and it’s truly special that they were willing to carve the space for me in the Finals. I know that doesn’t grow on trees and is something extremely special, so I’m just very grateful,” Lin told USA Today.
In preparation for his new broadcast role with ESPN, Lin revealed that he reached out to former teammates Danny Green, Iman Shumpert, and Steve Novak for advice. He also expressed regret at not being able to stay longer in New York amid the free agency drama surrounding him in 2012.
“I always felt like Knicks fans deserve the best performances. They’re so passionate… I genuinely wish I was able to stay longer, genuinely wish that I could have a lot more success and done things in the playoffs for the Knicks, but that never came to fruition,” he added.
Asked about what style of commentary fans can expect from him, Lin revealed that he will stay away from giving hot takes and loud, unfiltered opinions. He aims to adopt a more even-keeled approach to his analysis.
“I’m less of the super hot take, loud persona. I try to be somewhat even keeled, I try to be educated and then I try to be uplifting, even if I have to criticize,” he said.
Lin will forever be remembered in New York for his incredible run with the Knicks. As he gets ready to make his broadcast bow, Lin hopes to cheer the Knicks on to a first NBA title since 1973.
