Jeremy Lin is the first Asian-American to play in the NBA since 1947. If you were to ask some Knicks fans, that was also the last time the team was competitive.
Seen mostly as a novelty player before his breakout 25-point game against New Jersey this weekend and 28 points against Utah Monday night, Lin is already a fan favorite and has brought much-needed energy to the struggling Knicks.
“We’ve had guys from Africa, South America, Europe and even crappy Canada, but never a guy born in Asia,” Knicks owner James Dolan incorrectly noted of the California-born Lin.
The point guard starved Knicks see Lin as a godsend, and have already began to market him to their fans. He along with Amar’e Stoudemire attended a local charity event in Staten Island, which the Knicks painfully dubbed, “Stat-Lin Island.”
“We think Jeremy could be a huge draw with the Asian community of New York City,” said Catherine Jean, an associate in the Knicks organization. “I don’t not wish to expand on that comment in fear of sounding racist.”
Lin is just grateful for the opportunity. An undrafted player from Harvard, he never thought he’d have the opportunity to play on the big stage.
“Look, I don’t think it’s right, but if I have to play up my race to get burn, so be it,” Lin stated through an unnecessary translator. “All I want to do is play ball and have fun.”
Before Lin, the only Asian-American the Knicks employed was a man name Joe who worked in a concession stand.
When asked if he felt proud of Lin’s success, Joe said, “Who? They don’t let me watch the games. How’s Marbury doing this season?”
