Atlanta Hawks John Collins Showing Growth in His Second Season
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Hawks are in yet another rebuilding season, a season where there are very few bright spots to enjoy. One of those bright spots has been 2nd-year player John Collins.
John Collins was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks two seasons ago and has overachieved ever since. In his first season he struggled with foul trouble but still managed to average 10-points a game and gave the Hawks plenty of effort.
Effort players like Collins focus all of their energy on doing everything they can to win. Collins gives the Hawks everything he has every night regardless of score or their opponent.
This approach is part of the reason Collins has taken a huge step forward this season averaging nearly a double-double.
Collins is averaging 18.5 points and 9.9 rebounds a game so far this season. Those numbers are impressive and point to the growth Collins is showing on the floor so far this season.
While he is still a bit undersized he uses his speed to his advantage running the floor from the big man position and giving Atlanta plenty of options with their lineups.
The one area Collins must improve is in his three-point shooting, he has been ice cold so far this season falling under the 34% mark he hit last season.
Otherwise, Collin’s game has appeared to grow in every area and he has given the team a reason to think he is a building block for the future.
In a positionless NBA Collins is a perfect option at the 4 or 5 positions giving Atlanta defense or speed dependent on their opponent.
Collins will be a big part of the Atlanta Hawks future as their rebuild continues. They must do everything they can to keep him happy and in Atlanta for the seasons when Atlanta is playing meaningful basketball once again.