The Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA community are mourning another loss.
Just a day after the sudden death of Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, former New Jersey and Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins died Tuesday at 47 following a battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, his family confirmed.
Collins, a 13-year NBA veteran and the first openly gay active player in major U.S. men’s professional sports, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family, according to ESPN and NBA insider Shams Charania.
“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 said in a statement to ESPN. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Another Grizzlies Loss Felt Across NBA After Brandon Clarke’s Death
The timing of Collins’ passing adds to an already emotional stretch across the league.
Clarke’s death at 29 had already shaken the NBA, prompting tributes from teammates and stars around the league, including Grizzlies star Ja Morant. Collins’ passing now marks another moment of reflection for players and fans alike.
Though they played in different eras, both Clarke and Collins left lasting impressions — one as a rising contributor in Memphis, the other as a respected veteran and trailblazer whose impact extended beyond the court.
Jason Collins Cause of Death: Glioblastoma
Collins revealed late last year that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in an ESPN essay, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Doctors initially warned that without treatment, his prognosis could be measured in weeks. Collins pursued an aggressive treatment plan, including experimental therapies in Singapore not yet authorized in the United States, ESPN reported. Those treatments briefly improved his condition, allowing him to return home and attend NBA events earlier this year.
But the cancer returned and progressed rapidly in recent weeks.
Glioblastoma is known for its fast growth in the brain and resistance to treatment, making long-term recovery rare in advanced stages.
Collins’ NBA Career Included Grizzlies Stint
GettyJason Collins during his brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008. The former NBA center died at 47 after battling glioblastoma.
While best known for his time with the Nets, Collins also had a stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, adding a local connection to the league’s latest loss.
On Feb. 4, 2008, Collins was traded to Memphis along with cash considerations in exchange for Stromile Swift. He appeared in 31 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 2.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.5 blocks.
Collins played for multiple teams across his 13-year career, including Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston and Washington, and reached back-to-back NBA Finals with the Nets in 2002 and 2003. He was widely regarded as a physical defender and a respected locker room presence.
A Legacy That Changed the Game
Collins made history in 2013 when he publicly came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated cover story, becoming the first openly gay active player in any of North America’s four major men’s professional sports leagues, according to ESPN.
His decision was widely praised and helped pave the way for greater inclusion in sports.
After retiring in 2014, Collins remained active as an NBA ambassador and advocate.
He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents and his twin brother Jarron Collins.
As the league continues to process Clarke’s loss, Collins’ passing adds another layer of grief and a reminder of a legacy that extended far beyond basketball.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Former Grizzlies Player Dies at 47 After Brandon Clarke Tragedy appeared first on HEAVY.