Brooklyn Nets to sign Jason Collins making him the 1st openly gay NBA player

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After the NBA trade deadline has passed, teams look to the open market, an attempt to fill any holes in their roster before beginning their playoff push. Several teams are looking for front court help, and the Brooklyn Nets believe they’ve found their assistance in Jason Collins.

Collins spent last season with the Celtics, the Nets are signing him to a 10-day contract, making him the first openly gay player in one of the three top professional sports leagues.

While their are some who view the move as a Pr stunt – Collins wasn’t exactly a difference maker last season, and one could argue their are other free agent big men that are available who provide more value- the Nets reportedly saw Collins workout over the All-Star break and where impressed with his conditioning.Collins was also a teammate of Nets head coach Jason Kidd from 01-08, when both played for the team.

Also of note, Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov campaigned for gay rights in Russia during his presidential bid.

 

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