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Jeremy Lin on The Vertical Podcast with JJ Redick

Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin joins JJ Redick on The Vertical Podcast. Lin discusses the opportunity to become a starter again with the Nets and what attracted him to GM Sean Marks and Coach Kenny Atkinson’s new program.

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On joining the Nets
“That relationship [with Kenny] is one of my more special relationships that I’ve developed. Something about going through the trenches together – we kept at it. Then I heard the vision that Sean Marks had and I wanted to see what I could do as a starter. Wanted to see what I could do as someone with a bigger role. They were giving me that opportunity, so it was a good choice for me.”

On returning to New York City area
“The market to me is important in terms of liking the city, but I’m going to be out in Brooklyn where it’s more chill. I don’t know if I’m really a city guy – a Manhattan busy guy. The biggest factor for me was what is going to give me the biggest opportunity to be as good as a player that I can be.”

On making the NBA
“After the draft, my agent told me ‘it’s going to be an uphill battle [after not getting drafted]. There might be four or five guys outside of Summer League that sign a deal, that allows them to stay and not get cut. You have to be one of those guys.’ At that point I was like ‘it’s looking pretty slim.’ But I’m glad it worked out. God had a different path for me. Very unique, but I’m glad I got the chance.”

On the importance of the mental game in the NBA
“It might be more important that the physical side to be honest. At some point, talent can only get you so far. We’ve seen so many players who have an unbelievable IQ. The mental approach to me, I try to worry about that more than the physical stuff. If I’m not playing with the right mindset, it’s over for me from the beginning. If I’m not aggressive or don’t believe in my shot or don’t believe I belong, I have no shot.”

On adapting to new cities
“I spent more time on Zillow than I wanted to. I’m used to it now [moving]. I’ve been in the league six years. Now I’m putting a lot into where I live, since I’ll be here longer. Familiarity and comfort level with that now helps.”

On making Brooklyn home
“That’s one of the things I wanted to do in this free agency was find a home. I feel like I’ve done that. Obviously it’s early, but we’ll see.”

On embracing his popularity with Asian fans
“When it first happened, it starts out awesome and it’s exciting. Then everything happens so fast and you get scared. Then you don’t’ trust people and can become jaded. Then you think of it as kind of a burden. Once you get over that, you slowly start to appreciate it and become more thankful -- appreciating the fans, the experience more.

“Now I’m growing into the last part of embracing it and that’s when it becomes you. And now it’s a badge of honor. I absolutely love the voice I have for the fans I have, that this platform is here. Now I love it and think so much more long term and big picture, how can I change or impact the world, how can I challenge viewpoints, how can I challenge stereotypes, and I love every part of it. When I go over to Asia every year, they shower me with so much love. It’s something I’ll always cherish.”

On his yearly trip to Asia
“Every year we’ll go through two or three countries make multiple stops. It’s a combination of all my endorsements and commercial shoots with my charity events everywhere I go through my foundation. I’ll share my testimony – everything I learned spiritually this past year with a gospel message.

“It’s the busiest three weeks every year. It’s well worth it and I get a chance to see all the fans, friends and my extended family. It’s a whirlwind, it’s crazy but when it’s done I’m so thankful I did it.”

On plans after basketball
“I feel like its two things. One, I’ve considered doing some public speaking – sharing my story and my faith. The other thing is my foundation. I love kids and love working with kids, especially underprivileged children. Whatever community I’m in, I try to find one issue that’s swept under the rug or one area where there isn’t a lot of resources or exposure or attention around it in that specific community.

“I try to help in that area. I do foundation stuff in Asia, back home in California and whatever community I’m playing in. For me to have a stable home where I’m playing and to be able to invest in that one community, I would love to do that.”