Jason Collins, the first active openly gay NBA player, dies at 47 after brain cancer diagnosis

“On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”

Though Collins was drafted by the Rockets, he never played for the organization. Collins was traded to the Nets, who played in New Jersey at the time. He spent eight of his 13 seasons with the franchise, and also played for the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards during his career.

In total, Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds over 735 total games.

Collins’ twin brother, Jarron, was also selected in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. Jarron ended up spending a decade in the league.

Jason Collins was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer

Collins revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which is an aggressive form of brain cancer. Months prior, his family revealed Collins was being treated for a brain tumor, but did not provide additional details as Collins was undergoing treatment.

Collins decided to share his story with ESPN in December, announcing his diagnosis and revealing that his tumor was inoperable. At the time, he said the standard prognosis for individuals unable to undergo surgery to remove the tumor was 11 to 14 months.

Collins vowed the continue treating the illness, saying he would explore new and inventive treatment plans "that might one day be a new standard of care for everyone."

In his search for an effective treatment, Collins drew parallels to coming out as gay in 2013, per ESPN.

“After I came out, someone I really respect told me that my choice to live openly could help someone who I might never meet,” he said. “I've held onto that for years. And if I can do that again now, then that matters.”

Collins credited his 13 seasons in the NBA to allow him to be in the financial position to travel anywhere in the world to receive proper treatment, something he was doing in hopes that it could help others down the road.

"If what I'm doing doesn't save me, I feel good thinking that it might help someone else who gets a diagnosis like this one day," Collins said.

This post will be updated with more information shortly.