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.
Pick ✅
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 8, 2018
Roll ✅
Feed ✅
Finish ✅ pic.twitter.com/hVgWH6gxQM
At certain times in the game, the Utah native’s relentless demeanor motivated his teammates to continue to fight despite double-digit margins.
John Collins: Las Vegas Summer League Dominance
The Hawks would go on to finish the Utah Summer League with a 0-3 record and Collins would not play the final game to get some rest. To start the Las Vegas Summer League Atlanta would lose a close one to the New York Knicks, 91-89.
Outside of the loss, the Hawks witnessed a show as JC concluded the night with 30 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from three.
In spite of their loss, Collins impressed critics, analysts and fans with his improved three-point shooting. Also, the former Demon Deacon did an excellent job on pick & rolls, running the break and spacing the floor.
Even though Atlanta lost by two JC’s efforts helped make his teammates around him better. Young had been struggling throughout the summer, but Collins continued to set screens and roll to the basket to help him develop a rhythm.
One quality that is overlooked when it comes to the 235-pound forward is his leadership. Collins can be effective on the floor with or without the ball but is ready to score when needed. Being able to affect the game in multiple capacities is impressive. With a rebuild, it is important to have a player who buys into the process.
Las Vegas is continuing to help the young forward develop into a solid player. Sunday, Collins scored 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in an 85-68 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Similar to his other three games, the athletic big man dominated the glass. Throughout the summer league, the 20-year-old has been consistent on the offensive side of the ball.
SB Nation’s Brad Rowland reported that Collins will not suit up for any more action this summer. This summer has been an eye-opener for the Hawks organization who may have drafted a sure thing last year.
After this year’s summer league, one thing is for sure: John Collins will be the best player on the Hawks come next season.
https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1016310772740153344
New leader in Atlanta
During the 2017-18 campaign, the 2018 NBA All-Rookie Second Team recipient averaged 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. At the end of this summer, he is averaging twice that with the obvious caveat that Summer League is bonkers and doesn’t particularly matter that much in the long run.
Here we go... ☔ pic.twitter.com/LuwRuABAf9
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 8, 2018
However, the big man is hungry to improve and will do what has to be done to help get the Hawks back to relevancy. The First-Team (2017) ACC recipient has a tremendous upside and is only 20 years old. He has improved on his three-point shot, handles well when needed and has improved his stamina ad endurance during the offseason.
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Currently, the young Hawks do not have a leader going into the 2018-19 season. Don’t be surprised if John Collins takes on the role as one of the leaders and the best player on the team. The former Demon Deacon has a beautiful shooting stroke, quick feet and a high motor, and he should be making Hawks fans gasp via his dunking ability for years to come.