Remembering Jason Collins: A Trailblazer in the NBA
Jason Collins was a significant figure in the NBA, known as the league’s first openly gay player. Jason Kidd, who was fortunate enough to have him as a friend, expressed his sorrow after the news of Collins’ passing.
Collins died on Tuesday at the age of 47 following a battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. He spent eight seasons with the Nets, playing alongside Kidd for seven years before Kidd later coached him during the 2013-14 season.
Kidd, a 10-time All-Star and current head coach of the Mavericks, shared heartfelt memories of Collins, emphasizing the pain of his loss. He wrote, “This hurts. Jason Collins was a trailblazer. He had courage like I’ve never seen before. He was a great teammate and it meant so much to have him in Brooklyn at the beginning of my coaching career. Those who knew him were happy to call him a friend. You will be missed, my brother. Rest in strength.”
Collins came out publicly in a 2013 Sports Illustrated piece, making history as the first active gay player in the NBA. He returned to the Nets for one final season from 2013 to 2014.
The Nets organization released a statement highlighting Collins’ significance to both the team and the sport at large. They expressed their heartbreak over his passing, noting that he played a crucial role during an era that included back-to-back Eastern Conference championships in 2002 and 2003. “He was a fixture in our locker room. Selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff. Those close to Jason knew him not just as a player, but as a genuinely kind individual who unites people. His influence extended well beyond the court, and his courage and integrity advanced the game and society.”
Statistics show that during his time with the Nets, Collins averaged 3.6 points per game, shooting at 41.1% and grabbing 3.7 rebounds per game for those two teams that reached the NBA Finals.
The NBA Players Association recognized Collins’ far-reaching impact, stating, “The NBPA is proud to call Jason one of our players. Today, we honor a trailblazer whose legacy of courage and inclusivity will resonate for generations to come, and we mourn a devastating loss.”
