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[Saba Sports News] Former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony still vividly remembers the whirlwind of Jeremy Lin’s “Linsanity” era — and he recently opened up about it on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast.
Speaking alongside former teammate Baron Davis, Anthony addressed long-standing rumors that Knicks players were jealous of Lin during his meteoric rise in 2012. Both players pushed back on that narrative.
“People always say, ‘Nobody liked Linsanity,’” Anthony said. “But behind the scenes, we were very supportive. People just don’t know that.”
Anthony and Davis even recalled trying to help Lin land business deals at the height of his popularity, but Lin wasn’t particularly interested.
“He was like, ‘I wasn’t raised like that — my parents wouldn’t go for it,’” Anthony said. “And I respected that. I even told him, bring your parents in, let’s talk to them.”
Anthony believes Lin left a lot on the table, saying the Linsanity brand could have been worth $100 million if capitalized on properly.
Linsanity lasted only about two weeks during the 2011–12 season, when Lin suddenly emerged as a breakout star, playing at an All-Star level.
However, his run was cut short by a knee injury that forced him to miss the playoffs. That offseason, Lin signed with the Houston Rockets in free agency.
Though he never quite matched the magic of those two weeks, Lin remained a solid contributor, averaging 13.4 points and 6.1 assists in his first year with Houston. He went on to play for several teams — including the Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks, and Raptors — consistently posting respectable numbers.
His best statistical season came with the Brooklyn Nets in 2016–17, averaging 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, though he played just 36 games due to injuries.
Lin may not have been an All-Star, but he carved out a respectable career as a quick, fearless slasher with decent ball-handling and the ability to draw contact. While not known for his outside shooting, his energy and impact were undeniable.
Now 35, Lin has been out of the NBA for five years, but his legacy lives on. At a time when the Knicks were desperate for a spark, his unexpected rise electrified Madison Square Garden. His 38-point performance against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers on Feb. 10 remains one of the most iconic moments of that era.
During that unforgettable stretch in February 2012, Lin averaged 20.9 points, 8.4 assists, and 4 rebounds per game — numbers that still resonate more than a decade later. Linsanity may have been brief, but its impact was unforgettable.