The Brooklyn Nets worked out center Jason Collins, and if the Nets sign the big man, he would become the first openly gay NBA player, the Associated Press reports.
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The Nets are in the market for a center since trading Reggie Evans along with Jason Terry to Sacramento on Wednesday for guard Marcus Thornton.
General manager Billy King, who did not attend the workout in Los Angeles during the All-Star break, said Thursday on a conference call he was told Collins is "in shape."
At the end of last season, Collins revealed in a magazine interview that he is gay. The 35-year-old Collins has played for several teams and has a number of former teammates on the Nets, including coach Jason Kidd.
King said he and Kidd are evaluating several players, and Collins is on the list.
Collins played with Nets stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce last season in Boston, and shared the court with Nets guard Joe Johnson in Atlanta. The well-respected veteran attended the State of the Union address as a guest of first lady Michelle Obama, AP reports.
Most recently, Michael Sam, the SEC defensive player of the year from Missouri, revealed he is gay and is taking part in this weekend's NFL draft combine, AP reports.
King said the Nets aren't concerned about any extra attention the signing of Collins might bring.
"We're going to bring in a basketball player," King told AP. "It's not about marketing or anything like that."
Read more at Associated Press.
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