Soaring Down South
Fansided

Five bold predictions for the Atlanta Hawks 2017-2018 season

By Tyler Sellers

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 01: The Atlanta Hawks introduced their secondary logo on t-shirts that were distributed to fans during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Indiana Pacers during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 1, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 01: The Atlanta Hawks introduced their secondary logo on t-shirts that were distributed to fans during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Indiana Pacers during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 1, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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1. John Collins Will Win Rookie of the Year Award 

You have to go back to 1955 for the last time a Hawk won the rookie of the year award. This was with Milwaukee, the city of which the Hawks were originated. Bob Pettit is the only Hawk to have earned the award, and went on to have a stellar hall of fame career.

How incredible would it be for an Atlanta Hawks player to finally gain the honor? Everybody remembers the winner of the award and they usually go on to have great careers. In case you were wondering, the great Dominique Wilkins was somehow beat out by Terry Cummings of the San Diego Clippers for his rookie year of 1982-83.

John Collins is a special talent that is reminiscent of some of the all time great power forwards. When he is leading all rookies in scoring and rebounding, I know I’ll have to hollar from the rooftops I told you so! I’m fine with that.

John Collins
John Collins /

His offensive skill set is NBA ready. The low post repertoire he employs is completely old-school and will serve him well at the next level. Too many of today’s power forwards are focused on the perimeter and stretching the floor. The change of pace will cause trouble for opposing defense’s.

He actually can hold his own further from the basket too, as he has a reliable outside jumper. The form on his shot is immaculate, squaring up to the front of the rim and releasing at the peak of his jump with his 6’10″frame. He has excellent shot selection and will rarely take one out of rhythm.

What you saw almost exclusively in the above video is his biggest strength, the athleticism, ability to take flight high above the rim and finish with authority. He runs the floor good, a capable force on the glass and will even block a shot or two. You heard it here first, his game is the perfect balance of Charles Barkley mixed with Chris Bosh.

Next: John Collins receives his NBA 2K18 rating

Collins could receive a run for his money from top overall pick Markell Fultz of the 76ers. He will get starters minutes and has a supreme scoring ability. It should be interesting.