The Memphis Grizzlies forward died Monday at the age of 29 and Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, died at 47 after a battle with glioblastoma, his family announced Tuesday.
The Spurs held a moment of silence for Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins.
Clarke, who played his entire seven-year NBA career in Memphis, was remembered across the league Tuesday after the team and his agency announced his death. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called him âa beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.â Patrick Beverley posted âNBA is a brotherhood.â Bradley Beal wrote âRIP B Clarke.â Teams from Philadelphia to Cleveland to Washington offered condolences on social media.
Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, NBC4 Los Angeles reports, after drug paraphernalia was found at the Los Angeles home where he was staying.
Clarke was drafted 21st overall in 2019 and made the All-Rookie Team in his first season. He signed a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022 before injuries derailed the final years of his career. He appeared in just two games this season.
He had recently established his own foundation in Memphis, where those who knew him said he was deeply committed to giving back to the community.
Daryl Morey has been removed from his post with the 76ers.
The 76ers are making a significant change at the top.
President of basketball operations Daryl Morey is now out of the organization, ESPNâs Shams Charania reported Tuesday night. Morey met with owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and the decision was made to go in another direction.
ESPN added that Nick Nurse will remain as the teamâs head coach.
The move comes two days after Philadelphiaâs season ended with a whimper in a four-game sweep at the hands of the Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Daryl Morey has been removed from his post with the 76ers. Getty Images
Morey took over as Philadelphiaâs president in November 2020 after a 13-year run as general manager of the Rockets.
âI have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl personally and professionally, and Iâm grateful for his contributions over the last six seasons,â Josh Harris said in a statement after the change. âAfter speaking with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a fresh start.â
With the shakeup, the 76ers will now be on the hunt âwhich will be led by former Warriors exec and current president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Bob Myers â for someone to lead their front office as free agency and the NBA draft approach.
Philadelphia held a 270-212 overall regular season record over six seasons reached the postseason five times under Moreyâs stewardship, but it could never get past the Eastern Conference semifinals.
There were plenty of highs, including Joel Embiid winning MVP for 2022-23 and 2025 No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe finishing this season third in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey (L) pose for a photo after speaking with the media at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. USA TODAY Sports
But Embiid and Paul George, important parts to Philadelphiaâs core, played in just 38 and 37 games, respectively, this season as the team finished seventh in the East. The 76ers overcame a 3-1 deficit to get past the Celtics in the first round but mostly looked overmatched by the Knicks in round 2.
âDaryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that heâs a part of,â Harden said in a video.âLet me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that heâs a part of.â
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have numerous decisions ahead of them this upcoming offseason, with multiple restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, and players who hold value on the trade market. The following chapter in this series will examine those decisions, as our writing team presents both a point and a counterpoint for each one.
Mark Williams is fresh off an impressive season in Phoenix. I donât want this piece to be confused with me taking that for granted. In a vacuum, he exceeded expectations in terms of on-court production and, more importantly, in games played. That said, the way it ended was a reminder of the risk involved in extending this relationship.
We all saw it during the stretch run: the same injury worries that plagued Mark Williams in Charlotte havenât disappeared. While the talent is undeniable, being available is a skill. If the deal is right, Iâm not entirely opposed to a reunion at a discounted price, but even then, the best course of action may be to move on.
John Voita put together a great piece highlighting the case to bring him back, linked below.
The Depth Chart
The acquisition of Mark Williams came moments after the Suns drafted Khaman Maluach, a move that initially left many confused in the moment. A team that had almost no depth at center suddenly had plenty, creating a built-in succession plan.
Based on how things unfolded, it was probably for the best to slow-play Maluach. The potential is there, but Phoenix understood he was a multi-year project. They may not get the ROI on a top-10 pick for Khaman until his rookie deal is up, but the upside is so tantalizing itâs worth it. Also, keep in mind that in addition to Maluach, you have Ironman Oso Ighodaro, who played in all 82 games for the Suns last season.
82/82
Oso Ighodaro is the first Suns player since 2021-2022 to play in all 82 games! pic.twitter.com/NwiXrtDQ9U
Oso Ighodaro: Ighodaro played all 82 games this season, providing twitchy athleticism and secondary playmaking that keep the offense from becoming stagnant. He certainly had some struggles early in the year, but his development into an eventual staple in the Sunsâ rotation was a sight to behold.
Khaman Maluach: At just 20 years old next season, Maluach has already shown high-intensity flashes in limited minutes, including a dominant 5-block and 18-point performance against the Thunder. He is 7â2âł and possesses perimeter-switching ability upside, along with elite rim protection. He still has plenty to figure out, but there is a strong chance he becomes a defensive force in the next couple of seasons.
Between Oso and Khaman, life after Mark may not be as rough as one may think on the surface. Finding capable backup centers is not difficult, whether via FA, the draft, or trade. With two capable young bigs on cheap, rookie-scale contracts, paying a premium for a third center is a luxury a âfragileâ contender can no longer afford in todayâs NBA.
It all simply comes down to what Phoenixâs goal is this offseason.
The âAvailabilityâ Tax
The question with Williams has always been the same: can he stay healthy?
While he appeared in a career-high 60 games this year, the back half of the season was a stark reminder of the risks. Williams missed the entire postseason with foot issues, leaving a gaping hole when the games mattered most. Is that constant worry something you want to live with on a long-term basis?
PHOENIX, ARIZONA â APRIL 14: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In an era where the salary cap strategy is tightening, the Suns cannot afford to anchor a large chunk of their cap to a player who has yet to prove he can survive a full NBA calendar. If a team like Brooklyn or Toronto is willing to offer upwards of $18 million to $20 million annually, the Suns should leverage that interest into a sign-and-trade rather than matching.
Extract whatever value you can out of a sign-and-trade (assuming there are multiple suitors) and move on. Now, if Phoenix can get him at a more reasonable rate, then the discussion shifts. His market dictates how this entire process goes down, and itâs too early to tell what that looks like entirely.
As mentioned previously, capable backup bigs are among the easiest assets to find through free agency, trade, or even the draft. Itâs all about asset allocation, his value, and risk management.
Resource Allocation: Matching a high offer for Williams could limit the teamâs ability to fix other exposed areas of the roster.
Trade Value: Currently, Williamsâ value is still high based on his per-game efficient production of 11.7 points and 8.5 rebounds, along with him still being just 24 years old.
Risk Management: Selling high now avoids the risk of his value cratering if the injuries persist next season.
Closing Thought
The Suns need to prioritize availability and cap flexibility this summer. We have the youthful bigs in Maluach and Ighodaro to bridge the gap and provide the athleticism this roster desperately needs. Itâs time to move on from the Mark Williams experiment before the next breakdown turns a tradable asset into an immovable contract if the price isnât right. Williams had a strong season overall, but the risk may be just too much for him to return.
As Gambo notes, there is still a strong chance he returns, so his contract negotiation will be a storyline to follow closely in the early summer.
I do believe retaining Mark Williams is something the Suns would like to do so not having him in my top two priorities is NOT me saying he won't be back since so many of you are commenting on this. I do think he will be back. Just believe Collin and Jordan are the 2 most⊠https://t.co/Ha893NcwiQ
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Daryl Morey talks to the media during Paul George's Philadelphia 76ers introductory press conference on July 23, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Daryl Moreyâs tenure in Philadelphia has come to an end.
After six seasons as the Sixersâ president of basketball operations, Morey will no longer have that post after meeting with owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer on Tuesday. ESPNâs Shams Charania was the first to report the news.
BREAKING: Daryl Morey is out as president of basketball operations with the Philadelphia 76ers after six seasons, sources tell ESPN. Morey and 76ers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer met on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia and the decision was made to part ways. pic.twitter.com/Hh892i6Cw5
Head coach Nick Nurse will be back for his fourth season and Bob Myers, the former Golden State Warriorsâ executive who is the president of sports for HBSE, will lead the teamâs search for a new president of basketball operations.
Harris and Myers, who will both speak at a press conference Thursday at 4 p.m., released statements on Morey:
âI have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl personally and professionally, and Iâm grateful for his contributions over the last six seasons,â Harris said. âAfter speaking with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a fresh start. Bob Myers will lead the process of identifying a new leader and I believe his experience in constructing four NBA championship teams will be a valuable resource to our organization.
âTo our fans, your frustration and disappointment are understandable and warranted. We have fallen well short of our own expectations and failed to deliver in the way this city deserves. That bothers me deeply and I have confidence in Bob to establish a path forward for our franchise.â
âI know how much the 76ers mean to the City of Philadelphia, and itâs important we find the right leader to shape the future of this team,â Myers said. âThe process will start immediately, and we will be thorough and deliberate in our evaluations. I believe this is a destination for top talent across the league and look forward to solidifying our infrastructure moving forward.â
Moreyâs time with the Sixers started on a terrific note. He was hired ahead of the 2020-21 season, inheriting a very flawed roster which featured Al Horford and Josh Richardson. During the 2020 NBA Draft, Morey flipped both players and turned them into Danny Green and Seth Curry. He also drafted Tyrese Maxey at pick No. 21 and made two sold selections in the second round in Isaiah Joe and Paul Reed.
The regular season was a resounding success, with Doc Rivers leading the group to the Eastâs top seed. We unfortunately know how that ended with the team losing to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games. Ben Simmons, who was in trade rumors for James Harden earlier in the season, struggled mightily during the playoffs. Both Rivers and Joel Embiid made postgame comments that didnât sit well with Simmons, ultimately leading to a holdout.
While many in Philadelphia grew antsy as Morey held on to Simmons to begin the 2021-22 campaign, it worked out well with the team finally acquiring Harden from the Brooklyn Nets. Harden showed some lingering effects from a previous hamstring issue and Embiid suffered yet another orbital bone fracture in the first round. The Sixers lost to the Miami Heat in six games in the second round.
Arguably the best team Morey assembled here and the one that came the closest to finally getting over the second-round hump was in 2022-23. With Harden here the entire season and Maxey coming into his own, the team was one of the hottest in the NBA entering postseason play. After sweeping the Brooklyn Nets, they went up against the rival Boston Celtics. Again, it was another series that ended in disappointment as the team blew a 3-2 series lead, getting crushed in Game 7 in Boston.
Morey made the decision to move on from Rivers and hire Nurse. In that offseason, we got another holdout as Harden and Moreyâs relationship soured to an irredeemable degree. To start the 2023-24 season, the Sixers looked almost unstoppable with Embiid somehow outplaying his MVP pace and Maxey well on his way to earning the leagueâs Most Improved Player award. The team was beset by another Embiid meniscus tear and beaten by the New York Knicks in six games in the first round.
In trading Harden, Morey began his boldest strategy while running the Sixers. All the players he took back in the trade with the LA Clippers were on expiring contracts. Moreyâs plan was to keep his books clean for the offseason so the team could offer a big-time free agent a max contract. That player wound up being Paul George. Morey also signed Embiid to a three-year max extension and gave Maxey a new max deal.
We donât need to rehash the 2024-25 season â living through it was enough. The only good to come out of it was the emergence of rookie Jared McCain and the team tanking to close the season, which allowed them to select VJ Edgecombe third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Sixers bounced back this season, with both Embiid and George playing more and at a much higher level. Maxey took an All-NBA leap and Edgecombe finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. Despite pulling off an improbable comeback from a 3-1 deficit and finally knocking off the hated Celtics in the playoffs, the Sixers were totally out of gas in the second round and were swept by the Knicks.
What mightâve been the last straw for Morey was the trade deadline. He traded McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft compensation and made no corresponding moves to help the current roster. His comments about âselling highâ on McCain have become a bit of national punchline as McCain has thrived in OKC. This was also after Embiid called out ownership and the front office about ducking below the luxury tax at previous deadlines. It was clear Nurse didnât have the necessary depth to compete with the Knicks and the teamâs stars were exhausted and banged up.
Now, we await the list of candidates that will trickle out as the team searches for a new leader.
Star guards are driving this Eastern Conference matchup. The Detroit Pistons will go as far as Cade Cunningham takes them, while Donovan Mitchell is efforting to avoid the postseason reputation that plagues his backcourt partner with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This Cavaliers vs. Pistons same-game parlay and NBA picks put faith in Mitchell in Game 5 on Wednesday, May 13.
Our best Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP for Game 5
SGP leg #1: Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 points (-105)
Donovan Mitchell is not shooting well from distance, a woeful 30.8% from beyond the arc in this series despite taking nearly 10 3-pointers per game. But he knows the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense depends on him.
So he has cleared this points prop in each of the last three games, taking 23.3 shots per game compared to just 20.0 field-goal attempts per game in the regular season.
Mitchell may not be scoring efficiently, but he is shooting with such volume that this prop should come home for a fourth straight game. I dove further on this pick in my Cavaliers vs. Pistons prediction for Game 5.
SGP leg #2: Donovan Mitchell Under 3.5 assists (-105)
No one on the Cavaliers’ roster is exactly excelling. Credit the Detroit Pistons. They have one of the best defenses in the NBA, perhaps behind only the Thunders’ and the Spurs’. That is, very obviously, rather elite company.
So Donovan Mitchell is not moving the ball much. He has cleared this modest prop just once this series, averaging 2.75 assists per game. As long as Mitchell is shooting as often as he currently is, do not expect his assists to begin piling up.
SGP leg #3: Over 212.5 (-110)
Detroit’s defense is very good. It is not perfect. And given enough time, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden were always going to crack that defense.
They did in Games 3 and 4.
This series may continue to yo-yo, but expect the offenses to begin finding more of a groove as more time passes.
Get Douglas Farmer's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Cavaliers vs Pistons predictions for Game 5.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN. - MAY 2026: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the first half at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs, NBA Western Conference Semifinals, Game 4. NBA Playoffs. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, donât troll and donât swear too much. The rule against trolling also applies to members of this site that visit other fan sites, especially sites of the opposing team. Be polite and donât insult your hosts.
After a contentious game on Motherâs Day, the Timberwolves bring their weird combination of basketbrawl and acting class to San Antonio, as they attempt to do anything but play basketball to win a playoff series.* The strategy of bumping, grabbing, and pushing the Spurs star players paid a huge dividend on Sunday as Victor Wembanyama lost his temper and struck out and elbowed Naz Reid with his free arm while Jaden McDaniels was pulling on his other arm with both hands. Victor will need to do a better job of controlling his emotions tonight, while the referees will need to do a better job of controlling the game to keep things from once again spiraling out of control.
The Spurs played well in Wembyâs absence, maintaining a lead for most of the second half until Anthony Edwards took control in the fourth quarter by taking advantage of the Spurs lack of rim protection to score at will. The Spurs will need Wembanyama to be fresh late in the game today to contain Edwards, who is getting stronger by the game, and to take care of some of the other antics that Chris Finch likes to roll out to play mind games on the opponents. The Spurs need to get past all of that and play ball, and they should be fine, as they are the more talented team.
DeâAaron Fox is questionable with an ankle that was injured when Ayo Dosunmu dove at his legs when Fox grabbed a rebound in Sundayâs game, so the Silver and Black may have to rely on Harper and Castle tonight, which should be fine as long as they donât get into foul trouble. Harper is also listed as questionable with knee soreness, but hopefully he will play as heâs been having a very productive series so far. Luke Kornet played his best game of the series on Sunday, and heâll be needed again tonight to hold down the game when Wemby rests. Coach Mitch will be tested again tonight as he tries to keep his team from thrown off kilter by the Timberwolvesâ shenanigans. Keldon Johnson has been bothered by Minnesotaâs length, and he needs to hit some outside shots to open up his drives to the basket. This game is pretty much a must win game for the Spurs, because you donât want to go back to the Target Center for an elimination game, unless itâs an elimination game for the Wolves. GO SPURS GO!
* Homer hyperboleâmostly.
Game Prediction:
Chris Finch is ejected from the game after he tries to throw an banana peel on the court in Stephon Castleâs path.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves, Second Round, Game 5 May 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT Streaming: Peacock TV: NBC Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
Weâll see what sort of transformation Moreyâs replacement has in mind.Â
The Sixers announced Tuesday night that Morey is out as the franchiseâs president of basketball operations. Bob Myers will âlead the process of identifying a new leader of basketball operations and oversee the department in the interim,â the team said in a press release. There will surely be some urgency with the NBA draft set for June 23 and June 24. Free agency will begin the next week.Â
Even with the age, injury and contract concerns surrounding George and Embiid, itâs a strong group. All options should be on the table for whoever steps into Moreyâs shoes, but the Sixersâ situation would not appear automatically hopeless if the team built around the same foursome.Â
âWith the hesitation that in the NBA, things happen, we have some players who are as close to untouchable as you might have in this league in Tyrese, Joel, VJ, Paul,â Morey said on Feb. 6. âWe like our core. We really think itâs a very good core.âÂ
Of course, the long-term commitments to George and Embiid have serious downsides. Embiidâs optimistic about his left knee, but the 32-year-old big manâs norm has been a strange storm of injuries. George turned 36 during the playoffs and most late-30s NBA players are decidedly past their primes.Â
Going a bit further down the Sixersâ roster, there is not a ton to like. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes were the two other Sixers to average over 13 minutes in the postseason. Both will be unrestricted free agents this offseason. After them, Andre Drummond, Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow and Justin Edwards were the only players to get any time in head coach Nick Nurseâs playoff rotation.Â
âWe feel like weâre a deep team,â Morey said in February. âAgain, people might not agree, but we do feel like a deep team. In fact, there are many people who are writing that weâre a deep team, so it wasnât just our opinion. I do think Nick ⊠is using our players in an optimal way to win games. You for sure always want more good players than bad players. We still have two roster spots. ⊠So weâll continue to look to add in that marketplace as well, but we do feel like weâre a deep team.â
In recent years, Moreyâs Sixers were often inferior in the long-range shooting department. They finished the 2025-26 season ranked 23rd in both three-point frequency and three-point accuracy, according to Cleaning the Glass. Defensive rebounding also jumps out as a major roster weakness.Â
With Morey out and his replacement pending, that storyline certainly hasnât disappeared.
âI understand the perception,â Morey said at what wound up being his final Sixers press conference. âI hope to defeat it by finding a deal that I can go to ownership and say, âWe think this move is the right move to do for that and create those apron issues,â but I havenât been able to recommend that move yet.âÂ
NBA player Jason Collins marches in the Gay Pride Parade in Boston, Massachusetts June 8, 2013. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL POLITICS SOCIETY)
Reuters
Jason Collins, the 13-year NBA veteran player â who is more famous as the first pro athlete to come out as gay while still playing in any major American sports league â has died at age 47, his family has announced.
"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma," his family announced in a statement, mentioning the brain tumor he has been battling for years. "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."
"Jason Collins' impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.
"On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason's husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues."
Collins had an impressive NBA career. He and his twin brother Jarron Collins first came to prominence when they dominated Southern California high-school basketball together at Harvard-Westlake â having twin 7-foot future NBA players on a high school team wins a lot of games â before choosing to attend Stanford together. There, the Collins brothers helped lead the Cardinal to the Elite Eight one season and the Final Four the next.
Jason Collins was selected No. 18 by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 NBA Draft, but was traded on draft night in the deal that also brought Richard Jefferson to the New Jersey Nets. Just a couple of years later, in 2003, he was the starting center on a Nets team led by Jason Kidd that reached the NBA Finals.
Collins earned a reputation as a physical, rock-solid defensive center whom opponents and teammates respected. He went on to play 13 NBA seasons for the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards. His reputation was that of a "pro's pro" and the kind of player that coaches and GMs wanted in their locker rooms.
"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay. I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
As he was with his sexual orientation, Collins was very public with his diagnosis of glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of cancer in the brain. He talked about his treatment plans, trying to balance fighting the disease and quality of life.
Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, parents Portia and Paul Collins, and brother, Jarron Collins, who has served as an assistant coach in the NBA, most recently with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins warms up before an NBA basketball game in New Orleans on 24 March 2014.Photograph: Jonathan Bachman/AP
Jason Collins, the retired NBA player who made history as the leagueâs first openly gay athlete, has died after a short battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, his family announced on Tuesday.He was 47.
âJason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,â Collinsâ family said in a statement released through the NBA. âWe are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.â
Collins, who came out in 2013 while still actively playing in the NBA, had been under treatment for a brain tumor. The average prognosis for glioblastoma with radiation and chemotherapy is about 11 to 14 months, he said in an essay published by ESPN last year. In the essay, Collins revealed he had traveled to Singapore to receive experimental treatments currently not available in the US.
âAs an athlete you learn not to panic in moments like this. These are the cards Iâve been dealt,â he wrote. âIf thatâs all the time I have left, Iâd rather spend it trying a course of treatment that might one day be a new standard of care for everyone.â
He drew parallels between sharing his cancer battle and coming out as gay. âYour life is so much better when you just show up as your true self ⊠this is me. this is what Iâm dealing with,â Collins wrote.
Collins first spoke out on his sexuality in a 2013 essay for Sports Illustrated. âIâm a 34-year-old NBA center. Iâm black. And Iâm gay,â it began.
At the time, there were also no active gay players in the other major American sporting leagues.
He played for 13 years in the league across several teams, including the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets, before retiring in 2014.
Just last week, Collins received the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. He was too ill to attend and his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, accepted the award for him.
âI told my brother this before I came here: heâs the bravest, strongest man Iâve ever known,â Jarron Collins said while accepting that award.
Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, has died after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. He was 47.
âWe are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, as died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,â his family announced in a statement released by the NBA. âJason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.â
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remembered Collins for the lives he changed.
âJason Collinsâ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,â Silver said in a statement released by the league. âHe exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.â
âOn behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jasonâs husband Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues,â Silver added.
Collins revealed his diagnosis publicly in December 2025 in a first-person essay for ESPN, describing an aggressive brain tumor that had spread across both hemispheres in a butterfly pattern. Standard chemotherapy did not work on his form of glioblastoma, forcing him to seek experimental treatment at a clinic in Singapore.
He had married his husband, film producer Brunson Green, in May 2025, just months before his symptoms began.
Collins came out in April 2013 in a first-person cover story in Sports Illustrated, becoming the first active athlete in any of North Americanâs four major sports to publicly identify as gay.
âYour life is so much better when you just show up as your true self,â Collins wrote in his final public essay.
His best statistical season was 2004-05, when he averaged 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
The biggest moment in his career, however, was not measured in game statistics. On Feb. 23, 2014, Collins stepped onto the court at the Staples Center for the Brooklyn Nets against the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in a game in one of the four major professional sports leagues. He wore No. 98 that night, a number he chose to honor Matthew Shepard, whose 1998 murder helped lead to the passage of landmark hate crime legislation.
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA for six teams; the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. He averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 735 career games. Drafted out of Stanford by the Houston Rockets as the 18th overall pick of the 2001 draft, Collins' rights were immediately traded to the New Jersey Nets.
He retired in 2014 and went on to serve as an NBA ambassador.
Former Nets center Jason Collins has passed away at 47 after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, his family announced.
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA from 2001 to 2014, including eight with the Nets organization.
In 2013, he became the first active, openly gay player in NBA history and from all four major American sports.Â
Collins was drafted by the Nets with the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft out of Stanford and helped the team reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. The big man spent the first seven seasons of his career in New Jersey before playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washing Wizards.
He returned to the Nets in 2014 following their move to Brooklyn, playing 22 games during the 2013-14 season. For his career, Collins averaged 4.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game over 735 contests.
Collins announced his cancer diagnosis in December 2025 and tried experimental treatments in Singapore over the winter, allowing him to return home and be active, per ESPN. Although, the disease recently returned and he died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on Collins' passing and thanked him for making the league more inclusive.
"Jason Collins' impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.â
Below are Collins' family's and Silver's full statements:
The following statement was issued today on behalf of the family of Jason Collins: pic.twitter.com/Vf1MwmmQLH
NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on passing of Jason Collins: "Jason Collins' impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.â
Has this series even started? Per the trusted adage, a playoff series does not begin until a road team wins a game. The Detroit Pistons looked dominant to start this series. The Cleveland Cavaliers then responded with two wins at home.
My Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions and these NBA picks are not bold enough to firmly pick a side in Game 5, but they do expect to see more from Donovan Mitchell after a stellar start to this series. Tip comes at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 13.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 5 prediction
Cavaliers vs Pistons best bet: Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 points (-105)
Donovan Mitchell takes some flak for being on so many 60-win teams but never reaching a conference finals. If the Cleveland Cavaliers fall short of the Eastern Conference Finals this year, do not blame Spida.
Mitchell has cleared this prop in three straight games, most notably scoring 39 points in Mondayâs second half.
Will he stay at that kind of rate? Almost certainly not. But Mitchell is carrying Clevelandâs scoring load no matter what the Detroit Pistonsâ defense tries.
Mitchell is not moving the ball much this series, a reflection of Detroitâs defense. While the bulk of Clevelandâs roster struggles, Mitchell understands the better scoring option is to simply keep the ball himself.
He has cleared this modest assists prop in just one of four games, averaging 2.75 assists per game. Yet, as his scoring became more efficient in the last two games, it helped spur them both Over their totals.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP
Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 points
Donovan Mitchell Under 3.5 assists
Over 212.5
Cavaliers vs Pistons odds for Game 5
Spread: Cavaliers +4 | Pistons -4
Moneyline: Cavaliers +150 | Pistons -180
Over/Under: Over 212.5 | Under 212.5
Cavaliers vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Pistons have won the first half outright in 29 of their last 40 home games while the Cavaliers have lost the first half outright in 18 of their last 30 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 5
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Tip-off
7 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Cavaliers vs Pistons latest injuries
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Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' president of basketball operations and general manager, outlined plans for fortifying the front office and upgrading training facilities on Tuesday. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)
The Lakersâ roster isnât the only thing getting restructured this offseason.
In the first offseason under Mark Walterâs ownership, the Lakers will undergo several changes in their front office and with the organizationâs infrastructure while trying to keep pace in the ever-evolving NBA.
The Lakers plan to hire two assistant general managers, Rob Pelinka, the team's president of basketball operations and general manager, said in a season-ending news conference Tuesday after the Lakers were swept out of the Western Conference semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
One position will focus on pro scouting, draft scouting and player development while the other will specialize in analytics, data and the salary cap. The organization has already begun interviews, Pelinka said.
âItâs not that weâve had holes in those places,â Pelinka said. âWe got a great team of people that works incredibly hard. Itâs just we want to add more to that.â
Since Walter, the controlling owner of the Dodgers, became the majority owner of the Lakers in October, the Lakers have gradually reshaped front office and business operations. Joey and Jesse Buss were controversially fired in a front office shake-up that occurred less than a month after the sale was finalized. The brothers of Jeanie Buss worked in the front office, with Joey serving as alternate governor, vice president of research and development and the chief executive of the G League team. Jesse was the teamâs assistant general manager and director of scouting.
Lakers executives are now responsible for shaping a roster that has eight players facing unrestricted free agency or have player options this summer, including stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers scouts were already in Chicago for the NBA draft combine Tuesday morning after the team's season-ending loss Monday. Pelinka was scheduled to join them later that afternoon. With the 25th pick in the draft, the Lakers will interview about 20 players before the draft that begins June 23. The Lakers added former Virginia head coach Tony Bennett as a draft advisor in February to help with the process.
âTony has said he never, ever wants to coach again,â Pelinka said. âThat chapter in his life is 100% over. But having sort of the mind of a builder and a coach in our draft department with our scouts has been incredibly special, just to see that interaction.â
On the business side, the new ownership group swiftly brought in Dodgers executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen to lead Lakers' business operations. He created two new roles to drive revenue, oversee business strategy and grow interest in the franchise in both domestic and international markets.
Already catering to one of the more glamorous fan bases in the league, the Lakers added a row of courtside seats behind each basket for postseason games. They announced the search for a new jersey patch sponsor and sent out season ticket renewal notices that irked fans facing high markups.
Moving the G League team from the South Bay to the Coachella Valley opened another business opportunity. The Coachella Valley Lakers will open the 2026-27 season in the 11,000-seat Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.
Sharing the same facility in El Segundo made integration of the two rosters seamless. Several established players, including James, participated in G League practices this season while rehabbing long-term injuries, and developing players, including Bronny James and rookie Adou Thiero, got valuable playing time with the South Bay Lakers to build their confidence for their small roles on the NBA roster. The South Bay Lakers advanced to the G League Western Conference finals this year, but lost while key players Kobe Bufkin, Dalton Knecht and Nick Smith Jr. played with the then-shorthanded NBA team.
Moving the G League operations allows the Lakers to use extra space in their El Segundo training center for new labs for biomechanics, movement and recovery, Pelinka said. The Lakers are working in consultation with the Dodgers for the high-tech improvements.
âIt's a full rebuild and retool,â Pelinka said. âIt's adding to the great things that are already here, which have led to success, but elevating it and bringing it to the next level.â
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 11: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 11, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been two separate teams this postseason. Theyâve been an absolute buzzsaw at home. That team has been elite on both ends of the floor and has received multiple superstar performances from their core four. But if you get them away from Rocket Arena, theyâve looked pretty ordinary. This includes multiple fourth-quarter collapses in Games 4 and 6 against the Toronto Raptors and Games 1 and 2 against the Detroit Pistons.
Whether the Cavs can go about changing that trend will determine if they can advance to the conference finals. They need to win at least one game on the road to get past the Pistons. Why not do so in Game 5?
If they are going to steal Game 5, the Cavs will need to do a better job of containing Cade Cunningham when heâs at home. This postseason, Cunningham has averaged 31.8 points and 8.2 assists on 50% shooting in his six home games. Thatâs considerably more than heâs averaged on the road, including these two games in Cleveland, where he wasnât his best self.
The Cavs were partially to blame for that change. They trapped him much more in Game 4 than they have at any point in the series.
âJust try get in his way,â Jarrett Allen said when asked on Monday about how to stop Cunningham. âTry to make sure that he rethinks every single pass that heâs going to take. Try to make sure that every single drive to the lane, somebodyâs there to bump him, somebodyâs there to contest him. Try to make everything as hard as we can for him.â
Whether the Cavs can do so in Game 5 could determine whether they can steal homecourt advantage.
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