Jason Kidd is hoping a former teammate will help his Brooklyn Nets in the frontcourt
The Nets announced on Sunday afternoon that they have signed big man Jason Collins to a 10-day contract. Collins, who announced his homosexuality with an article in Sports Illustrated last April, will become the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the four major North American professional sports.
The 12-year NBA veteran was Coach Kidd’s teammate for six-and-a-half years with the Nets from 2001 to 2008 when they still played in New Jersey and played in 510 games, third-most in Nets history, including 404 starts. Collins also played alongside Jason in 75 playoff games over his six full years with the Nets, helping the team to reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
Over the last six seasons, Collins has played with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. He played in 36 games with Boston last season and then was traded to the Wizards, who he played six games with.
Collins went unsigned as a free agent last offseason despite contract discussions with several teams, including the Nets, who expressed interest in the veteran throughout the offseason. But after a plethora of trades, Brooklyn found itself at the maximum roster limit of 15 and could not sign Collins.
“I think he can still play,” Coach Kidd said at the time. “His knowledge as a veteran, there’s always a veteran that can help a young team.”
After trading forward Reggie Evans and guard Jason Terry to acquire guard Marcus Thornton this week, the Nets found themselves with an open roster spot and a need at the forward/center spot. Coach Kidd and Nets general manager Billy King saw Collins as a natural fit to fill the role. After a workout, Collins signed a contract on Sunday.
Collins, who ranks eighth in Nets history in minutes played with 12,493, ninth in offensive rebounds with 782 and is tied for 10th in total rebounds with 2,304, will be available on Sunday night when the Nets face the Lakers in Los Angeles. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET and the game can be seen on YES.
