Who should start at the power forward position for the Atlanta Hawks?
The Atlanta Hawks have a tremendous problem to have. They have two quality players who have the capability of starting for them and both of them bring different qualities to the team. These players are Danilo Gallinari and John Collins and as Collins nears a return from injury we need to figure out who starts.
Collins is the incumbent starter who has had the job since being drafted by the team. He was given the bag in the offseason and responded with one of his best seasons as he settled into his role, which was to give the team what it needs every night.
Collins started 53 of the 54 games that he played and averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.6 steals in 30.8 minutes per game. He was incredibly efficient, going 52.6 percent from the floor, 36.4 percent from deep, and 79.3 percent from the line.
Collins’ athleticism allows him to spark this team with a key block or a huge putback dunk. He also has a tremendous understanding with Trae Young who regularly finds him in the pick and roll or the pick and pop.
What does Danilo Gallinari offer to the Atlanta Hawks?
Gallinari started 18 games this season, averaging 15.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 30.3 minutes per game. He was not quite as efficient going 45.2 percent from the floor, 35.1 percent from beyond the 3-point line, and 91.1 percent from the charity stripe.
Without the athleticism of Collins, the Hawks need to play a bit differently when Gallinari starts. However, this does not mean that they are in a worse position. Gallinari is able to space the floor more effectively than Collins thanks to being a higher volume, more effective 3-point shooter.
The Hawks are also able to change the way that defenses play against them with Gallinari in the lineup. He has the ability to create mismatches in the post and with his great shooting touch can exploit them in a way that very few players can.
Next. The Atlanta Hawks are showing more maturity as a team. dark
So, the question is, who starts? Well, if you want continuity in the playoffs then you would bring Collins in off the bench. However, when Gallinari plays with the second unit they tend to be able to dominate games even with Trae Young off the floor. It is this reason that Collins should get the starting nod, Gallinari can do it but he makes the team better when coming off the bench.