Lawrence Frank speaks highly of Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay athlete

Jason Collins – who always impressed me as a starter on a tough New Jersey Nets teams that ruled the Eastern Conference before the Pistons overtook them – came out as gay in an article he wrote for Sports Illustrated. Ex-Pistons coach Lawrence Frank, who coached Collins in New Jersey, spoke well of the player today. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated:

"Lawrence Frank, Collins coach for years in NJ, calls any potential locker room issues with Collins "non-issues.""

"Frank to SI: "People underrate the tolerance in the NBA. And I think it will break down barriers for people who were a little ignorant.""

"Frank: "If you want a professional veteran who can guard the post and be a positive influence in the locker room, Twin is your guy.""

If Frank meant Twin “was” your guy, I definitely agree. Now? I’m not so sure. Collins is 34, and regardless of today’s announcement his NBA future was uncertain. I wrote more about Collins’ pending free agency for Pro Basketball Talk.