Soaring Down South
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John Collins Will Be the Best Player on the Hawks in 2018-19

By Zackery Rogers

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 3: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2018 Utah Summer League on July 3, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 3: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2018 Utah Summer League on July 3, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 3: John Collins (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 3: John Collins (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Coming into the summer league, the attention for Hawks fans was on none other than Trae Young. However, John Collins has shown why he will be the best player on the Hawks roster in 2018.

The Wake Forest product averaged 24 points, 8.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists this summer in both the Utah and Los Vegas Summer League combined.

Yes, the second-year forward has the potential to be the Hawks’ best player in the upcoming season. Again as most of you already know Atlanta is entering the second year of their rebuilding phase. However, Hawks fans should be excited about the future of Collins who continued to show improvement this summer.

Utah Summer League Warm Up

The 6-foot-10 forward/center held his own on the boards throughout the summer. John Collins only played two games in the Utah Summer League but still provided the team with effort and energy.

Atlanta started the Utah Summer League off against the Memphis Grizzlies who drafted Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jevon Carter. Carter would have a solid night but the Hawks struggled to contain Jackson Jr who finished the night with 29 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Memphis would go on to win the game 103-88, but one takeaway from the summer league opener was Collins’s refusal to quit. The 20-year-old battled on the boards and constantly attacked the rim despite the deficit.

In addition to his rebounding, the 2017 draft pick showed his improved stamina and ability to run the floor all game. Last season, it was apparent that Collins was still adjusting to the NBA’s fast-paced style of play.

Despite the Hawks’ loss, their 2017 selection finished the night with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. The numbers may not stand out, but the fact that Collins was able to make an impact without the ball in his hands speaks volumes.

Game two against the San Antonio Spurs didn’t go as planned, but Collins still had a strong game as he led the team in scoring. JC ended the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist and 1 steal. The Hawks forward has a knack for being a jack of all trades while on the court.

As of now, the second-year player has the potential to be the Hawks best player in 2018 due to his selfless style of play. One thing that stood out was how he led by example. Although this is only summer league, the big man always continued to battle despite the score.

At certain times in the game, the Utah native’s relentless demeanor motivated his teammates to continue to fight despite double-digit margins.

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