Charlotte Hornets Alumni: Jeremy Lin thanks NBA, signs in China

Former Charlotte Hornets and fan favorite guard, Jeremy Lin, has signed a deal to play in China after receiving little interest from NBA teams during free agency.

Many Charlotte Hornets fans were hoping for a reunion with Jeremy Lin, but that won’t happen. The former Hornets guard has signed a deal to play in China with the Beijing Ducks. After going undrafted in 2010, “Linsanity” played nine seasons in the NBA, and his best may have been in Charlotte.

During the 2015-16 season, Lin averaged 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists for the Hornets. It was his only season in Charlotte, but it was definitely a good one. He played a major role in Charlotte’s run to the playoffs, where they lost in the first round to the Miami Heat.

Even though the Hornets are now in rebuild mode after Kemba Walker‘s departure, I do believe Lin would have been a solid addition to the team. He’s a great locker room veteran and he could have improved his value around the league on a team that will likely be lottery bound.

My Co-Expert here at Swarm and Sting, Giovanni Spillman, took a look at why the Charlotte Hornets should have looked into signing Lin last month.

Since the 2015-16 season, Lin has been hampered with injuries. He suffered a ruptured patella as a member of the Nets and hasn’t been the same since then. He spent last season with the Hawks and Raptors, and won an NBA Championship. He wasn’t in the rotation, but it’s still an incredible accomplishment.

After a lackluster free agency, Lin now finds himself in China. His new team, the Beijing Ducks, finished with a 31-15 record in the CBA last season and featured a duo of former NBA players in Justin Hamilton and Aaron Jackson. Hamilton averaged 23.3 points and Jackson averaged 25.0 points.

They’re a good team, and the addition of Lin will make them even more dangerous. Lin should be able to arrive in China and make a huge impact both on and off the court. He is beloved in China and will be welcomed with open arms.

Many thought that Jeremy Lin would be a “one hit wonder” after his incredible run with the Knicks in 2012, but he did a great job not making himself known for that run only. He’s been a solid role player for each teams he’s been on, and his time with the Charlotte Hornets was certainly memorable.

I wish Lin nothing but the best in China with the Beijing Ducks and hope to see him back in the NBA one day. Hopefully he can remain healthy and have a major impact with his new club in China.