Soaring Down South
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3 Atlanta Hawks players who tanked their trade value in 2023

By Ben Grunert

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 27: Trae Young #11, Clint Capela #15, Bogdan Bogdanovic #13, John Collins #20 and De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks react against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on October 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 27: Trae Young #11, Clint Capela #15, Bogdan Bogdanovic #13, John Collins #20 and De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks react against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on October 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

John Collins

Forward John Collins began his career in promising fashion when he made the 2017-18 All-Rookie Second Team. During his first three years in the league, the former No. 19 pick steadily improved his numbers while regularly treating Hawks fans to acrobatic rack attacks and thunderous throwdowns.

However, Collins took a step back this season when he posted his lowest scoring average since his rookie year. After averaging 16.2 points and 7.8 rebounds last season, Collins put up just 13.1 points per game and a career-low 6.5 rebounds per game on his worst shooting splits ever. A career 55.1% shooter from the floor, he made just 50.8% of his field goal attempts. Collins struggled even more from beyond the arc, nailing a putrid 29.2% of his 3-pointers.

Having excelled on the offensive glass in previous seasons, he also grabbed a career-low 1.1 offensive boards. His dwindling aggression has damaged his value as a player, and his hefty contract doesn’t help.

Two summers ago, Collins signed a 5-year/$125-million contract.

Out of 53 players making $100 million or more on their current deals, Collins averaged the second-fewest points per game this season, only ahead of Ben Simmons. The Baptist posted per-game averages of 11.3 points and 4.3 rebounds on 43.3% shooting this postseason. Through his first four games against Boston, Collins tallied an underwhelming 7.5 points per game.

Given the expectations Collins set four seasons ago when he averaged 21.6 points and 10.1 boards, the high-flying forward has largely disappointed Hawks fans with his frustrating inconsistency and his fading role in Atlanta’s offense.

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