BRIC Team reports: He was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 draft, then was traded to the then-New Jersey Nets on draft night. He also had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.Collins helped the Nets reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 alongside teammates Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson.After a first-person essay in Sports Illustrated disclosing he was gay, Collins received widespread support across the sports world, including from then-United States President Barack Obama.“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” his family said.
“Our family will miss him dearly.”Arn Tellem, former agent of Collins and current vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons, said his decision to come out changed lives. Advertisement “Jason’s legacy stands as a beacon for tolerance, dignity, respect, inclusion, compassion, and understanding,” Tellem said in a statement. “He left this world better than he found it.”Jason Collins played for six different teams in the NBA, reaching the finals on two occasions [File: Mark J Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters]
Key facts
- He was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 draft, then was traded to the then-New Jersey Nets on draft night.
- “Our family will miss him dearly.”Arn Tellem, former agent of Collins and current vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons, said his decision to come out changed lives.
- Advertisement “Jason’s legacy stands as a beacon for tolerance, dignity, respect, inclusion, compassion, and understanding,” Tellem said in a statement.
