Atlanta Hawks F John Collins considered team’s ‘most underrated’ player
Opinions on players such as Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins can change on a whim. One bad stretch can take away the faith of a fanbase just as a good one can restore it. Similar things are true in trade rumors, as is the case with Collins who has spent the better part of the last two seasons mired in trade rumors.
It has not all been hypothetical trade proposals. There have also been reports of dissatisfaction with his role or contentious contract negotiations that have led many to draw what seemed like a reasonable conclusion just a few weeks ago.
Collins was considered among the most likely star players to be moved this offseason.
But as the potential destinations have dried up – just as they did last summer – while the rumors subside, has the pendulum swung the other way on Collins?
John Collins has become the Atlanta Hawks ‘most underrated’ player
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley released his list of every NBA team’s most underrated players with Collins being the choice for the Hawks. Buckley makes note of the awkwardness of putting Collins on the list despite his numerous highlights and monster five-year, $125 million contract signed just last summer.
He goes on to point out how the constant discourse has gone on to impact how many casual observers might view the 6-foot-9 high-flying Collins.
“How can a player like that be underrated? Well, for reasons known only to the Hawks, they’ve decided to buy him a permanent residence on the trade rumor mill. And, for even more confusing reasons, other clubs aren’t racing to pry the productive power forward out of Atlanta.”
There were rumors linking several teams to Collins this summer including the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings.
But there was never much traction with either of them or any team really despite Collins’ talent.
Buckley continues to say the lack of respect toward Collins’ game is “bizarre” while acknowledging that he isn’t a perfect player.
“He isn’t the most impactful defender or capable shot-creator. What he is, though, is basically a walking double-double who’s also good for a block and a three-ball per game. There aren’t a ton of players around bringing all that to the table, let alone pairing the production with a tidy 55.9/37.6/77.9 career shooting slash.”
Collins is one of only three qualifying players to post a slash line of at least .550/.370/.770 over the first five years of his career and is the only one to do so while appearing in more than 46 games in that span.
He was one of seven players to average at least 16.0 points and 7.0 rebounds last season while shooting 36.0% or better from three.
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Whatever animosity that could exist between Collins and the Hawks would appear to be with the organization and not his coach Nate McMillan or teammates. McMillan included him in his assessment of what the Hawks’ offense will look like following the Dejounte Murray trade while Collins and Trae Young are teaming up for a Drew League run.
They have seemingly sent strong messages regarding his future all summer hinting at a big role this coming season.
And, while we have not gotten official word that Collins is off the table, they have maintained a high enough asking price to show they are not simply looking to dump him either. Just as he has maintained he wants to be in Atlanta.
The rumor mill often latches onto players who have yet to reach their full potential.
In that regard, it is telling how many people on the outside think there is more to unearth in the highly-skilled Collins.
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With Kevin Huerter now in San Diego and Murray sliding into his starting shooting guard slot, Collins’ offense will be needed more than ever. Even with De’Andre Hunter next to him and Bogdan Bogdanovic coming back off of the bench.