Jason Collins is the first NBA player to come out as gay. However, when he made the announcement, he was not yet signed with any team.

It has taken a lot of time and Collins has yet to join any of the 30 NBA teams. Collins is seven feet tall and an experienced center. There is usually a market for that type of player (as opposed to dime- a-dozen guards) and this season saw a multitude of injured centers. For starters, Brook Lopez, Al Horford and  Javale McGee are all out for the season. They are all experienced centers and their teams are having difficulty to replace them.

As of today, only the Brooklyn Nets have conducted tryouts with them. There are also other teams whose centers are injured for extended lengths of time. Are they discriminating the gay player?

"Not so fast!" say some NBA writers. There are many factors to consider on whether to sign a player. Here are some opinions from NBA writers on whether Collins can help the Nets (and therefore, should proceed on signing him).

Tom Haberstroh, NBA Insider fro ESPN: "It's impossible for us to know what kind of shape the 35-year-old is in without seeing him play, and that's a big deal. If he's ready, then, yes, he might help an NBA team. But I think he's better suited on a Western Conference team like the Clippers as a Dwight Howard specialist. Not seeing the need in Brooklyn."

Tom Sunnergren, Hoop 76 Blog: "The tremendous intangibles Collins would bring to bear, both inside and outside the locker room, have been enumerated by folks more articulate on these matters than I. Also, consider the game. The Nets could bump into LeBron and the Heat or Hibbert and the Pacers in the postseason. A long-shot upset would look shorter if Brooklyn added a veteran with a knack for frustrating dynamic post players."

Preston Scmitt, Bucksketball: "He played with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce last season, and his familiarity with Jason Kidd would make for a pretty seamless transition. His only tangible skill -- stout post defense -- serves less of a purpose each passing season, but it could be a significant luxury against the likes of Roy Hibbert andJonas Valanciunas in the playoffs."

Most writers recommend the Collins signing for the Nets, but Brooklyn is being conscious for some reason. It is not conclusive to gender discrimination, but it is noticeable.