Jeremy Lin: Improbable Journey Key Ingredient to Linsane Hype

Linsanity exists for many reasons, but nothing tells the story better than the raw facts. Jeremy Lin's journey is a story of improbability and that is why the world is so taken by it.

Check out this awesomely illustrated time-line of Lin's career from infographic.com, along with some detailed highlights. Be sure to read on after the time line for more information and perspective on the NBA's newest star, as well as a glimpse of Lin gracing the cover of Time magazine.

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Source:Infographic World

Jeremy Lin's rise to celebrity status has been one suitable for the Silver Screen. Don't think for a moment, there isn't a movie studio somewhere clamoring for the rights to his story.

Time Magazine has already been counted as a part of the Linsane nation. Lin graces the cover here:

What makes Lin's story so magnetizing?

It is the improbability, but it's more than that. Lin, and everything about this situation is the Perfect Storm.

Look at the factors:

Overlooked Talent

Obviously he is talented, just take a look at the numbers thus far. So why was he so overlooked? Race was certainly a factor, if anyone tells you different, don't believe them.

He was one of the top players in the state of California out of high school and he wasn't offered a scholarship to play anywhere.

That is beyond odd.

Even Lin believes it was the case. Bryan Chu, who penned two articles (Jeremy Lin: For This Asian-American, New York Knicks Star Is an Inspiration & New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin Lights Up the World from Toronto to Taiwan) while appearing as a Special Columnist for B/R quoted Lin as follows in an article for SFgate.com:

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"I'm not saying top-5 state automatically gets you offers," Lin said, "but I do think (my ethnicity) did affect the way coaches recruited me. I think if I were a different race, I would've been treated differently."

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The stereotype that a kid of Asian descent couldn't be a quality ballplayer on the next level, seems like the obvious reason he was overlooked.

Coming out of Harvard doesn't exactly scream major pipeline to the NBA either. All players from programs and conferences not noted for basketball, will have questions about their ability to compete on a NBA level.

Then there is the fact that Lin is not a superior athlete. He doesn't have blazing speed or especially great leaping ability. He has a game that is actually perfect for the system he's in now.

Without ever getting an opportunity in the right system, Lin would still be buried in obscurity.

All of these factors give Lin, the "came out of nowhere" effect, and people love those stories.

Diversity

Lin's whole identity screams diversity, especially as it relates to the NBA. When you're discussing massive popularity, you're talking about reaching a demographic that goes further than the hardcore hoops fan.

You're reaching people who, quite honestly, don't really know the game very well. They are paying attention because this guy has been adorned as the next big thing. People, especially Americans, love the next big thing.

Part of what makes him next is again, his ethnicity. 

He stands out from the NBA crowd, and though many want to ignore the significance, it's clear to see,

When Lin emerges from a timeout, or takes the floor for the opening tip-off, is there anyone else on the floor that looks like him?

If race didn't matter, why has the Asian American presence increased so much for Knicks' games?

I believe we have to get to a point where we aren't ashamed that it's significant. What Lin is doing is amazing, but it's not the greatest year in the history of the NBA. It's significant because of who he is.

A comparison, but on a larger scale is that of Jackie Robinson. When Robinson broke the color barrier in MLB in 1947, he hit .297, with 29 stolen bases, he had 12 HR and 48 RBI. That was a very good year, but no one will tell you it was the greatest year in baseball statistically.

What made it significant was who he was, and most of that was about ethnicity. Obviously, there different circumstances, but Robinson's diversity from other MLB players shined a light on his accomplishments, and deservedly so.

The same goes for Lin, we may not want to accept it, but it's part of it.

It's New York Baby

The Lin story would be a big one anywhere, but in New York, it's monumental. 

This is the New York Knicks.

One of the most famous sports franchises in the world, playing in perhaps the world's most famous arena, in the height of the media era.

There isn't a bigger stage, and their isn't a more intriguing story playing out on any Broadway stage. Mix in the fact that the Knicks had this huge payroll, with this high profile head coach that just wasn't panning out.

Along comes Lin, whose presence on the floor, just literally changes everything.

Are you kidding me?

I'm waiting for the credits to roll, because this is pure movie material. What is even more interesting is that Lin isn't going anywhere.

He can play, and I'm not one of those people that don't know the game.

Is he perfect, or some hybrid of Magic Johnson and John Stockton?

No, but his talent and ability are real.

He has to work on taking better care of the ball, and his athletic limitations will always be a problem against ultra athletic point guards; plus, he isn't a great shooter.

That said, he is only 23 years old, two-thirds of those issues can be resolved.

Linsanity will ultimately fade, even if he doesn't. You don't have to like Jeremy Lin's game, and you shouldn't have to worry about being called a racist for critiquing it.

But it would be cool if we could take time to understand how historic, inspirational and fun this is for people that buy in to Linsanity.

It's a fantastic journey for many of us.