Category: Sports News

Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies at 47 of brain tumor originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the league, has died after an eight-month battle with an aggressive form of a brain tumor, his family announced Tuesday.

Collins spent 13 years as a player in the league for six different franchises. He revealed in 2013 that he was gay, an announcement that came toward the end of his playing career.

Collins had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which has an extremely low survival rate. He was 47.

“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” Collins’ family said in a statement released through the NBA. “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.”

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 for him.

“I told my brother this before I came here: He’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known,” Jarron Collins said while accepting that award.

Jason Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in his career. He helped the New Jersey Nets reach two NBA Finals and in his best season averaged 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds for them in 2004-05.

“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. “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.”

Jason Collins revealed his sexuality in a first-person account for Sports Illustrated in April 2013. He was a free agent at the time, said he wanted to keep playing, and went on to play in 22 games with Brooklyn the following season.

“If I had my way, someone else would have already done this,” he wrote at that time. “Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

His decision was widely lauded, with star players such as Kobe Bryant quickly speaking out in support of Collins. There was even support from the White House and then-former President Bill Clinton — whose daughter, Chelsea, went to Stanford with Collins. At Stanford, Collins was roommates with someone who was part of another American political dynasty, that being Joe Kennedy III, who spent eight years in Congress representing Massachusetts.

Collins, in the piece for Sports Illustrated, wrote that he realized he needed to go public about his sexuality when Kennedy walked in Boston’s gay pride parade in 2012 — but Collins couldn’t do the same.

Until then, Collins kept his feelings about gay rights close to the vest. He wore jersey No. 98 for the majority of his final three playing stints with Boston, Washington and Brooklyn — a nod to the year that Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Wyoming, was killed. He also wore 46 in one game for the Nets, since it was the only jersey the team had available when he signed.

Collins made nearly 61% of his shots in his career at Stanford, which remains a school record. He was an honorable mention selection for The Associated Press’ All-America team in 2001, a few months before the Houston Rockets took him with the 18th pick in that year’s NBA draft.

“It’s a sad day for all of us associated with Stanford basketball when we lose one of the program’s greats,” former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery said. “We all have great memories of Jason and the kind of person he was. It’s hard to separate Jarron and Jason because they thought so alike, but even though he was an identical twin, Jason was unique in his own way. The impact he had on Stanford was immense, as he could match up against anyone in the country because he was big, smart, strong and skilled, all while being a very bright and nice person.”

The NBA world got some unexpected, tragic news on Tuesday, as word of Memphis Grizzlies' power forward Brandon Clarke's death was revealed. He was 29 years old. The news was confirmed by Clarke's sports agency.

Though drafted with he 21st overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, the former Gonzaga Bulldog played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, earning All-Rookie team honors in 2020 and Sixth Man of the Year consideration in 2022. He played in just two games for the Grizzlies during the 2025-26 season due to a right calf strain among other various injuries.

Clarke's death comes little more than a month after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.

Brandon Clarke, a former first-round draft pick who spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died. He was 29.

His agency, Priority Sports, confirmed the news Tuesday on social media. No cause of death has been disclosed.

"Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine," the agency wrote. "He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It's just impossible to put into words how much he'll be missed. We love you, BC."

Born in Vancouver, Canada, Clarke played basketball at Desert Vista High in Phoenix, Ariz., before spending two years at San Jose State and one at Gonzaga. He was selected at No. 21 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2021 NBA draft but he was traded to the Grizzlies weeks later.

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Clarke played in 309 games for Memphis but only two this past season because of injuries. Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds during his career.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement.

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," Silver said. "As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon's family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Perhaps the basketball gods are about to strike at the San Antonio Spurs. Two additions to the “questionable” line on their injury report before Game 5 could throw this series further into chaos, certainly after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ comeback win in Game 4.

My Timberwolves vs. Spurs props and NBA picks expect Minnesota to ask more from its best player while San Antonio may need to shift tactics in Game 5 on Tuesday, May 12.

For more intel, check out my complete Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions.

Best Timberwolves vs Spurs props for Game 5

Player	Pick
Anthony Edwards	Over 6.5 rebounds	+122
Keldon Johnson	Over 8.5 points	+102
Julius Randle	Under 3.5 assists	+105

Game 5 Prop #1: Anthony Edwards Over 6.5 rebounds

+122 at bet365

There are a few ways to assess the possibility the San Antonio Spurs could be without Dylan Harper and/or De’Aaron Fox tonight. It is quite likely at least one plays — if not both — but in the regular season, a gameday downgrade on the injury report is quite a telling move. That bodes poorly for Harper’s likelihood.

Harper, in particular, has been excellent this series, snagging at least four rebounds in each game, averaging 5.5, and seeing increased minutes in close games. Without the physical rookie on the court, Anthony Edwards’ life would get a bit easier.

The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar already emphasizes the glass in the postseason. After finding 14 rebounds in 41 minutes in Game 3, Edwards tracked down six in 40 minutes in Game 4.

The plus-money value here is a delight, the perk of this prop climbing from 5.5 rebounds. If either Harper or Fox is sidelined, Edwards should be pestered a bit less when handling the ball, should have a touch more energy, and should have a few more opportunities on the glass.

Game 5 Prop #2: Keldon Johnson Over 8.5 points

+102 at bet365

On the San Antonio side of things, losing Harper’s offense would create an opportunity for some other reserve. And it is worth focusing on Harper’s injury compared to Fox’s simply because a knee injury is more worrying than an ankle injury — along with the timing of the respective questionable designations.

Keldon Johnson could fill some of the Harper hole, though Johnson has already cleared this prop in three of the four games of this series, even with Harper excelling.

Johnson played cautiously in Game 4, but a role player should always be expected to play better at home than on the road. Again, the plus-money value here is a delight, quite frankly, a surprising one.

Game 5 Prop #3: Julius Randle Under 3.5 assists

+105 at bet365

Julius Randle has yet to dish out four assists in a game in this series. In fact, he is averaging just 1.75 assists per game. This prop should not be double that average.

At some point, the Timberwolves may need to go away from Randle. He is not shooting well, he's turning the ball over too often — at least five times in three of the four games against the Spurs — and he is only adequate defensively.

If Minnesota wants to throw a wrinkle at San Antonio and Victor Wembanyama, an athletic lineup featuring Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels as the two bigs would certainly dial up the offensive pace.

Chris Finch has that personnel, and when he considers it, Randle’s workload could shrink further.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team, his agency and the NBA said Tuesday. He was 29.

Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, provided any details about when, where or how Clarke died.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

His agents wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.

“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” Priority Sports said. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed sympathies to Clarke’s family and friends and the Grizzlies organization.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said. “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.”

The National Basketball Players Association said: “This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball.”

Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, an herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy that becomes illegal in Tennessee as of July 1. He was released on bond a day later.

Clarke was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who already took guard Ja Morant second overall. Clarke joined Morant on the NBA's All-Rookie team in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multiyear contract extension in October 2022.

He tore his left Achilles tendon March 3, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets in a showdown of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Injuries limited him to 72 of a possible 246 games over the past three seasons, including only two this season.

Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.

He had one more season left on his contract with Memphis and was due to earn $12.5 million, according to Spotrac.com. But the Grizzlies are in the midst of another major roster rebuild after going 25-57 after trading away stars Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the past year.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

With the season on the brink of extinction, the Thunder put the Lakers out of their misery in Game 4 and advanced to the conference finals.

LA put up another valiant effort Monday, even nursing a one-point lead with 40 seconds remaining, but it wasn’t enough. OKC completed the sweep and bounced the purple and gold into the summer.

It’s one thing to lose all four matchups in the regular season, where game plans and lineups get adjusted by the hour. It’s another to stand side by side with the best team in the league and measure the difference.

Those measurements came up immensely short, even after accounting for superstar Luka Dončić missing the entire series. While the result revealed the Lakers have a multitude of issues to resolve, none is more pressing than finding their franchise center.

Backup center Jaxson Hayes’ strong performance in Game 4 lends a blueprint to what the focus should be.

As he’s done on numerous occasions this season, Hayes closed the game and played more minutes than starter Deandre Ayton. Hayes had his best game of the series with 18 points, five rebounds, and a block in 27 minutes.

It’s no coincidence the Lakers had their shot to win when their best athlete had his most productive game, especially coming from the center position. Hayes is one of the few — and maybe the only — Lakers players who can overpower his matchup with pure above-the-rim athleticism.

Watch below as he sets a wide pin down for Austin Reaves with LeBron James as the entry passer. It sets up the empty side action, with Reaves quickly throwing up the lob to where only Hayes can reach.

The runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, Chet Holmgren, comes to contest, but it has no impact as Hayes finishes the thunderous dunk over the top.

Late in the third quarter, the Lakers ran their Finland action. Watch as Luke Kennard comes off the final screen of the play and finds Hayes rolling with the pocket pass. Holmgren once again comes over to recover, but Hayes has already gathered onto his trampoline.

The monster finish at the basket put the Lakers up by one. Hayes used his pogo stick bounce to finish four dunks on Monday.

Vertical spacing and an almost infinite catch radius will be essential skill sets for pairing with heavy pick-and-roll guards this summer. Luka and Reaves led the league as a duo in pick and rolls ran per game this season.

In addition to the dunk fest, Hayes leveraged his athletic prowess to grab three offensive rebounds, including one massive tip-in putback to end the third quarter.

On the defensive end, his lateral quickness on the perimeter fit into head coach JJ Redick’s switch-heavy defensive style, while still being able to block shots at the rim, as seen in the play below.

Ajay Mitchell pushes it in transition and gets it swatted while the Lakers get a basket from LeBron on a leak-out pass.

While he contains many of the skills LA will need in its franchise center, Hayes was on a $3.5 million deal this season. He may return to the team in a backup role once again, but he can’t be relied on as a starting center going forward and he still carries a shaky playoff history.

The center opposite the Lakers in this series was Isaiah Hartenstein, who is making $29 million this season. Their other main big is Holmgren, who just signed a $250 million extension last summer.

Canvassing the other playoff teams remaining, they all have a center making close to max money, or soon to be, with players such as Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs and Jalen Duren of the Pistons.

Finding the permanent solution at center should be at the top of the to-do list this summer. If they don’t, they will find themselves right back in this position again next season.

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team and his sports agency announced Tuesday. He was 29 years old.

Clarke, who was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft after a decorated collegiate career at San Jose State and Gonzaga, played seven years for the Grizzlies. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 and averaged 20.8 minutes per game over 309 games in the NBA.

His last three seasons were largely impacted by injuries, but the Canadian-born forward was a crucial part of a Memphis roster that made multiple postseason appearances.