Jason Collins, trailblazing NBA veteran and Harvard-Westlake standout, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. The NBA released a compassionate statement on behalf of Collins and his family, asking for privacy as they prioritize his health. The news highlights Collins’ storied career, his Stanford roots, and his ongoing legacy off the court as an NBA Cares ambassador.

Collins split 13 NBA seasons across Rockets, Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards, after a standout California prep and college run. His 2013 coming-out and the 2014 Nets-Lakers moment reshaped how teams and fans address LGBTQ+ athletes, making this health update resonate beyond the hardwood.

Jason Collins, 46, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, per NBA announcement. A 13-season veteran, Collins helped reshape the league as the first openly gay active player across North America’s major sports. His health update places a spotlight on resilience and advocacy beyond the box score.

Collins was drafted by the Rockets at No. 18 in 2001 but spent the bulk of his career with the Nets, with stops in Memphis, Minnesota, Boston, Atlanta and Washington. He wore No. 98 to honor Matthew Shepard—a tribute that underscored his openness and impact. He retired in 2014, leaving a lasting imprint on and off the court.

As privacy is requested while he battles treatment, the moment underscores the human side of pro basketball and the enduring legacy of a trailblazer. Fantasy players should note the real-world context but Collins’ status today carries no direct fantasy relevance.

The news is a sober reminder that a player’s legacy can outlive any season, and it foregrounds the importance of health and support networks for athletes at every level.

Justin Champagnie’s breakout with Washington makes him a true fantasy sleeper. After a two-way start, he earned a multi-year deal and stepped into expanded minutes when Kuzma was moved, delivering efficient scoring and solid rebounding. The Statistical Doppelganger Machine matched him to Aldama, DiVincenzo and Siakam-type forwards, signaling a versatile path with scoring, defense and growth upside.

With a small sample (about 1,340 minutes), risk remains, but Washington’s rebuild creates opportunity. If he maintains development, Champagnie could become a late-round target—a multi-position wing who contributes points, boards and defensive stats, with room to grow into a higher ceiling.

LeBron James starts his 23rd NBA season, chasing a historic longevity run while remaining one of fantasy basketball’s premier assets when healthy. Lakers chatter centers on whether LA will pursue a dramatic LeBron–Knicks swap, a move that would instantly reshape title odds in the East and test the balance of the Lakers’ roster. While the odds fluctuate, James’s continued excellence keeps him squarely in fantasy rosters, with Bronny James and Dalton Knecht in the mix as potential future pieces. Luka Doncic anchors attention as a co-leader in the league’s fantasy landscape, and the conversation widens with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Desmond Bane as possible trade or lineup fulcrums. The Knicks’ hypothetical bid would push rival teams to reconfigure, while the Lakers’ path remains geared toward championship contention rather than a blockbuster reboot.