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Wake Forest’s John Collins Was One of The Best Picks of The Draft

By Brandon Molleur

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; John Collins (Wake Forest) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number nineteen overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; John Collins (Wake Forest) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number nineteen overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a draft that was loaded with star power, and guard heavy, the big men were forgotten. The Hawks capitalized on the guard heavy top 18 and selected Wake Forest forward John Collins 19th overall.

John Collins put up a monster season in his second year at Wake Forest. Collins averaged 19.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, shot 62.2% from the field, and put up a massive 35.9 PER.

Versatility is a huge attribute to Collins skill level coming into Atlanta. Collins is a 6’10” forward that can run the floor like a 6’6″ small forward. His motor is active and consistent, Collins averaged 3.7 offensive rebounds per game last season.

His motor is very well oiled, even if he has bad scoring nights, he will always be able to be a factor in the game because of his drive to rebound and create space off his hard screens.

He will be able to operate well off of the pick-and-roll he has a great ability to finish in traffic & get fouled. Collins can also step out and hit mid-range shots off of the pick & pop.

Atlanta Hawks
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; John Collins (Wake Forest) walks off stage after being introduced as the number nineteen overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

In Atlanta, Dennis Schroder will be the primary ball-handler off picks, setting up Collins on the pick & roll. Also, there is a good chance Hawks star F Paul Millsap could sign else-where. Which would create more playing time for Collins right out of the gate.

Ceiling is also a big factor in evaluating a prospect, Collins ability to learn and improve quickly has made his game flourish. Collins only averaged 7.3 PPG and 3.9 RPG in his freshman season at Wake Forest.

His ceiling in the NBA is pretty high, Collins will only get better under the leadership of coach Budenholzer. Value is what makes this pick so great, teams like the Knicks, Bulls, & Pistons will spend millions on Frank Ntilikina, Lauri Markkanen, & Luke Kennard. Atlanta will get a better overall player in Collins, and he won’t command the cost of a lottery pick.

Next: Ryan Kelly traded to Houston

For the value, skill level, and ceiling of selecting John Collins, the Atlanta Hawks made one of the best picks of the draft with the 19th overall selection.