Jason Collins’ best chance at returning to the NBA now lies in Doc Rivers’ abilities as a salesman.
If Rivers can sell Glen Davis on signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, Collins could sign with the Brooklyn Nets by Sunday, ESPN reports. If Rivers’ pitch fails, Davis would presumably sign with the Nets to fill their need for a frontcourt free agent addition.
Davis’ decision appears to be the final hurdle to Collins signing with an NBA team and becoming the first openly gay male athlete in one of the four major North American sports. Collins worked out for the Nets earlier this week and the team is said to be strongly considering signing the 35-year-old center to a 10-day contract.
Davis played under Rivers on the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship squad, but that does not mean the Clippers have the advantage. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were also members of that team, and Davis is still close with Garnett.
Rivers and Garnett are reportedly in a head-to-head “recruiting battle” for Davis, who was abruptly bought out by the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Davis can become an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers, as expected.
