Brooklyn Nets Jersey History No. 98: The Groundbreaking Legacy of Jason Collins (2014)
In the vast tapestry of Brooklyn Nets history, jersey numbers tell stories of triumph, struggle, and transformation. From the ABA days of the New Jersey Americans to the modern era in Brooklyn, over 600 players have donned 52 different numbers. Yet, one number stands alone in its rarity and its profound cultural significance: No. 98. Worn by only one man in franchise history, that jersey belongs to Jason Collins, a player whose impact on the court was matched only by his seismic influence off it. In 2014, Collins didn’t just suit up for the Nets—he changed the game forever.
The Unlikely Path to Jersey No. 98
To understand why No. 98 matters, we must first understand the man who wore it. Jason Collins, a 7-foot center from Northridge, California, carved out a respectable NBA career defined by grit, defense, and unselfishness. After a standout collegiate career at Stanford, the Houston Rockets selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. But Collins’s true NBA home would be found on the East Coast.
On draft night, Collins was traded to the then-New Jersey Nets, beginning a seven-season tenure that would define the early prime of his career. He became a staple of the Nets’ frontcourt rotation, starting alongside stars like Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin. Collins’s role was never glamorous—he was a screen-setter, a post defender, and a locker room anchor. But his durability and basketball IQ made him invaluable during the Nets’ back-to-back NBA Finals runs in 2002 and 2003.
After stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards, Collins returned to the Nets in 2014. That return, however, was unlike any other in sports history.
Why No. 98? The Historic Signing
On April 8, 2014, the Brooklyn Nets signed Jason Collins to a 10-day contract. The move was not just a roster transaction—it was a watershed moment for professional sports. Collins became the first openly gay active player in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. The choice of jersey number, No. 98, was deliberate and powerful.
Why 98? Collins selected the number to honor the memory of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally murdered in a hate crime in 1998. Shepard’s death became a rallying cry for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and Collins wanted his jersey to serve as a constant reminder of the fight for equality and acceptance. In a league where jerseys often represent personal branding or superstition, No. 98 became a symbol of courage, visibility, and hope.
Collins made his Nets debut on April 9, 2014, against the Boston Celtics at the Barclays Center. He played just 10 minutes, scoring zero points, but the moment transcended statistics. The crowd gave him a standing ovation, and the game ball was later donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was a night that redefined what an NBA jersey could represent.
On-Court Contributions and Expert Analysis
From a purely basketball perspective, Collins’s second stint with the Nets was brief. He appeared in 22 games during the 2013-14 season, averaging 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. His minutes were limited, and his role was clearly that of a veteran mentor and situational defender. Yet, his presence in the locker room was invaluable.
Expert analysis from former Nets coach Jason Kidd highlighted Collins’s professionalism: “Jason came in, did his job, and never made it about anything other than basketball. He was a leader by example.” Collins’s ability to set hard screens, contest shots, and communicate defensively gave the Nets a reliable, if unspectacular, option off the bench. He shot 45.5% from the field and posted a defensive rating of 105.5, showing that even at age 35, he could still compete at an NBA level.
But the true value of Collins’s No. 98 jersey lies in the intangibles. His signing forced the NBA and its fanbase to confront long-held biases. It opened doors for other athletes to live authentically, and it demonstrated that the Nets organization was willing to take a stand for inclusion. In a league built on competition, Collins proved that vulnerability and strength are not mutually exclusive.
Predictions: The Future of No. 98 and Its Legacy
Will the Brooklyn Nets ever retire No. 98? It’s a question that sparks debate among historians and fans. While Collins’s on-court numbers don’t scream “franchise legend,” his off-court impact is arguably Hall of Fame-worthy. The Nets have already honored his legacy in subtle ways, including a video tribute during Pride Night celebrations. However, the franchise has yet to officially retire the number.
My prediction: Within the next decade, the Nets will retire No. 98. Here’s why. The NBA has become the most progressive major sports league in North America, and the Nets have positioned themselves as a socially conscious organization. With the growing emphasis on social justice and LGBTQ+ inclusion, retiring Collins’s number would be a powerful statement. It would also align with the league’s broader efforts to celebrate pioneers. Expect a ceremony around the 15th anniversary of his signing in 2029, possibly during a nationally televised game against the Celtics or the Los Angeles Lakers.
Furthermore, young players entering the league today cite Collins as an inspiration. Rookies like Chris Paul and LeBron James have publicly praised his courage. As the NBA continues to evolve, No. 98 will become a symbol of resilience, much like Jackie Robinson’s 42 in baseball. The Nets have an opportunity to cement their place in history by making that number untouchable.
The Broader Impact on Nets Jersey History
Collins is just one of over 600 players to wear a Nets jersey, but his story is singular. The franchise’s jersey history is a mosaic of legends—from Julius Erving’s No. 32 to Jason Kidd’s No. 5 to Vince Carter’s No. 15. Yet, No. 98 occupies a unique corner of that mosaic. It represents the intersection of sports and social change, proving that a jersey can be more than just fabric and numbers.
For context, the Nets have seen 52 different jersey numbers worn across their ABA and NBA history. Some numbers, like No. 11 (shared by 15 players) and No. 21 (shared by 14 players), are common. Others, like No. 98, are one-of-a-kind. Collins’s tenure may have been short, but its resonance is eternal.
As we continue our series commemorating every player who has worn a Nets jersey, Jason Collins stands out not because of points or rebounds, but because of the weight he carried. He walked onto the Barclays Center floor with the hopes of a community on his shoulders, and he never flinched.
Conclusion: A Number That Changed the Game
The story of No. 98 in Brooklyn Nets history is not about statistics. It’s about a 7-foot center from Stanford who used his platform to accelerate a movement. Jason Collins’s 2014 signing was a masterclass in bravery, and his choice of jersey number turned a simple piece of NBA apparel into a symbol of progress. For the Nets organization, it remains one of the proudest moments in a history that stretches back to 1967.
Whether or not the number is ever retired, its legacy is secured. Every time a fan sees a No. 98 Nets jersey in the stands, they are reminded that sports can be a force for good. Jason Collins didn’t just wear that number—he defined it. And in doing so, he ensured that the Brooklyn Nets will forever be remembered as the team that stood on the right side of history.
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
