Former Nets heart Jason Collins is present process therapy for a mind tumor, his household introduced Thursday in an announcement launched by the NBA.
“NBA Ambassador and 13-year NBA veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor,” the NBA mentioned in an announcement. “Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being.”
Collins’ profession spanned 13 seasons, beginning with seven in New Jersey earlier than a midseason commerce to Memphis in 2008. He went on to swimsuit up for Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston and Washington, then closed out his profession with a late-season return to Brooklyn in 2013–14.
The 46-year-old got here out as homosexual in 2013, making him the primary energetic athlete in one of many 4 main North American skilled sports activities leagues to take that step. Throughout 13 seasons, he averaged 3.6 factors and three.7 rebounds whereas taking pictures 41.1% from the sphere.
Collins’ greatest season got here with the Nets in 2004-05, the place he averaged 6.4 factors and 6.1 rebounds per sport. His work as a defensive presence and display setter proved very important to the Nets’ back-to-back Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.
Since retiring, Collins has remained related to the sport by way of his work as an NBA Cares ambassador whereas additionally serving as a number one voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports activities. He’s partnered with teams resembling GLSEN and the Human Rights Marketing campaign, utilizing his platform to spotlight why illustration issues on and off the court docket.
