Karl-Anthony Towns, a key player in the New York Knicks’ current roster, recently shared how Jeremy Lin’s remarkable 2012 NBA season played a pivotal role in shaping his own fandom for the team. Growing up in New Jersey, Towns was in high school when ‘Linsanity’ took over the basketball world, and it left a lasting impression on him.
Jeremy Lin’s Influence
During an interview, Towns expressed his admiration for Lin, stating, “I truly want to give a shoutout to Jeremy Lin because he really made me a Knicks fan and had me at Modell’s. It was crazy trying to find his jersey. I have so much love for Jeremy Lin, he’s one of my favorite Knicks of all time, one of my favorite players of all time.” Lin’s unexpected rise to fame during the 2012 season brought hope and excitement to Knicks fans, a feeling that had been absent since the team’s last significant success in the late 1990s.
Lin’s influence extended beyond just the game, as Towns noted that his parents also encouraged him to support the Knicks over the Brooklyn Nets. This family connection to the team further solidified his loyalty and passion for the Knicks, which he carries with him today as a player.
Knicks’ Return to Prominence
Fast forward to the present, and Towns is now an integral part of the Knicks’ journey back to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1998-99 season. Alongside teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and others, Towns is helping to lead the charge as the team aims to capture their first championship title since 1973.
Reflecting on his journey from a fan to a player, Towns remarked on the surreal experience of being mentioned by Lin on social media, saying, “It’s crazy now that I’m in this position, in this chair, talking to you guys as a Knicks player. (They) showed me the other day Jeremy Lin on social [media], for him to even mention me was kind of crazy because the love I have for him and what he’s done for me and my Knicks fandom is second to none.”
As the Knicks prepare for their upcoming games, Towns stands just four wins away from potentially etching his name in New York sports history, driven by the inspiration he once found in Jeremy Lin’s unforgettable season.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
