The Atlanta Hawks have a great one-two punch in John Collins and Trae Young. Everybody knows about Young. Let’s talk about Collins, a future NBA All-Star as I see it.
The NBA’s Atlanta Hawks are trending in the right direction these days. General Manager Travis Schlenk is having a great offseason. He drafted the right players and is making moves to create cap space for summer 2021.
In addition to Schlenk, there’s another personality to watch in Atlanta. It’s John Collins, a stretch 4 who can guard multiple positions, which is SO important in the modern NBA.
Collins is the Hawks’ swiss army knife when it comes to both sides of the court. As a rookie, Collins played in Mike Budenholzer’s system, which enabled him to shoot threes and stretch the floor. Then, in his second year, he made a huge jump in literally all statistical categories. Now, in year three, Collins is looking to make the NBA All-Star team.
Trae and John (photo, NBA.com)
Impact on offense: On offense, Collins shows his repertoire of moves. With Young shooting from the logo, Collins has space to operate in the post, to set screens, or to run the pick-and-roll with Young.
The pick-and-roll opens up all kinds of opportunities. Young can come off a high screen and pull up for three or a two. Collins can roll to the bucket and get an easy dunk. Kevin Huerter gets in the act, too, hitting the corner three.
The point is clear: the Hawks have offensive options, and Collins accelerates those options. Last year, Collins averaged a double-double, scored 19.5 points a night and grabbed ten boards on average. Expect those numbers to go up in year three.
Impact on defense: Collins is a focal point when it comes to defense. He can guard centers, power forwards, and small forwards. And he wants to do more. He went on record recently with The Lowe Post saying, “I’m wanting to guard the one and two position next season.” If he does–and does it well–it will be Collins’ ticket to the All-Star game. And why not? Collins has length, size, foot speed, and another high-commodity asset–switchability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ybBcwq7VZo
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The only question mark for me is how far he (and Young) can take these young Hawks. On The Lowe Post, Collins came close–but didn’t say–that ‘P’-word (playoffs). He knows the Hawks will be better, but how ‘better’ will translate in the standings is another thing entirely.
One thing’s for sure: expect Collins to have a monster Year 3. I predict he’ll be a 22-12 player.
