Atlanta Hawks: Ranking the 5 best defenders on the roster

Atlanta Hawks – John Collins – Power Forward/Center

John Collins was a name that many Atlanta Hawks fans weren’t sure they’d see on the roster this season amid all of the NBA draft and free agency moves the Hawks made in the offseason. But as it stands, John Collins is still a Hawk and is undoubtedly a top 3 defender on this roster.

Collins coming off of a stellar 20 and 10 season is one of the best young big man in the league and has done a lot to improve his game in the three years he’s been in the NBA. Heading into his fourth year, Collins still has work to do in convincing the media that he’s a top player in the NBA but Atlanta Hawks fans have seen the value that JC brings to the squad every night.

In addition to his 21.6 points per game last year, Collins managed to snag 10.1 rebounds and average 1.6 blocks per game. Listed at 6-9, John Collins moves better than most guys his size and can get up and down the floor with ease.

Another defender still to be named on this list will do a lot to secure the Atlanta Hawks defense in the paint this season.