Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in major professional sports, averaged 1.1 points and 0.9 rebounds in 22 late-season games last season, his 13th in the NBA, after signing with the Brooklyn Nets in February.
Marcus Thompson II of the San Jose Mercury News acknowledges that Collins, a 7-0 center, is probably done playing professional basketball.
"And he should be," Thompson wrote.
It's not because he can't play anymore.
"Let him tell it: He's still undecided about attempting a return for his 14th NBA season. And he does have some interest in becoming a coach or joining a front office. But right now, he is already fulfilled and has never been more relevant to the sports landscape.
"Collins is thriving as an ambassador for acceptance and peace. After existing in a world girded with overt machismo and sexism, Collins' best role is clear. He can lead professional athletes from the dark ages and inspire a population of hurting young people.
" 'I used to be able to jump and touch the top of the white square behind the rim with ease,' Collins, 35, told the crowd of nearly 600 that gathered Monday night at San Francisco's Castro Theatre for the latest INFORUM conversation.
" 'As the years go by, you watch your hand go lower and lower on that square. Father Time is undefeated against us all. ... I'm really grateful for my degree now. On the other hand, I can still dunk.'
"Many athletes struggle with life after sports. Collins is well into his next stage despite not having officially hung up the sneakers.
"More than ever, Collins is in his wheelhouse. He has always stood out because of his height and skin color. He has always fit in because of his personality and intellect.
"Now he has a story to tell, and some NBA credibility to make people want to hear it.
"Monday night, Collins recounted his experience at a recent NBA seminar to introduce rookie players to the league. While discussing the need for a change in locker-room language, a player's question let him know how much work remains to be done.
" 'I had to explain what LGBT stands for,' Collins said.
"That drew a gasp from the crowd, followed by some snickering at the ignorance of it all. Collins didn't take the bait. He responded as a leader should. 'It's all about education and exposure,' he told the crowd. 'Some guys have had no education and exposure to the LGBT community.'
"Collins isn't just advocating for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. He's championing opportunity for the underprivileged, encouragement for the broken, better eating habits for kids.
"Sure, he could return to the paint to collide with the Dwight Howards of the world. He can contribute 7.8 minutes per game, as he did last season, and serve as an example of professional for a team's youngsters.
"But he can make greater impact elsewhere. And he knows it."
Get the ball rolling
Former Microsoft executive Steve Ballmer's $2 billion bid to become the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers was approved in court earlier this week.
=Ballmer told columnist Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times he's ready to get started.
"I'm so thrilled and delighted to have this team, and how much of that comes from financial reasons, or basketball enthusiast reasons, or retired-guy-looking-for-something-to-do reasons, I don't know. But it's a win-win deal for everyone."
Sports quiz
Where did Jason Collins play college basketball?
Answer
Collins played at Stanford in 1997-2001 before being taken with the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
Sports on 08/15/2014