Nets release statement on Jason Collins’ passing

The Brooklyn Nets have released a statement about the passing of former player Jason Collins. Collins played for the organization both in New Jersey and Brooklyn, achieving significant milestones for the team in both stints.

The team released a statement on their X account.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.

Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker room – selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff alike.

Those who were around Jason every day knew him not just as a competitor, but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person who brought people together. His impact extended far beyond the court, and his courage and authenticity helped move the game – and the world – forward.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jason will always be a part of the Nets family, and he will be deeply missed.”

Jason Collins spent 13 seasons in the NBA, with much of his career with the New Jersey Nets. He was selected with the 18th pick by the organization in the 2001 NBA Draft. He went on to become a pivotal member of the team, eventually becoming the starting center on the Nets teams that made the finals in back-to-back years in 2002 and 2003. Collins departed the team in 2008 after being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

After announcing that he was gay in 2013, he returned to the Nets, who moved to Brooklyn, on a ten-day contract. In a game against the Lakers, he played 11 minutes and became the first openly gay athlete to play in the four major North American sports leagues. He retired in November 2014.