The Atlanta Hawks traded John Collins to the Utah Jazz in a move that was a move to dump salary. It worked, in that they managed to clear their books, to add the money that they offered Dejounte Murray. This clearly shows that the Hawks are going down the path of the All-Star backcourt of Murray and Trae Young.
While the Hawks made a few further moves, signing Wesley Matthews and trading for Patty Mills, they still have a hole at the starting power forward position. In the six seasons that Collins filled that role, he averaged 15.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 29.3 minutes per game.
While he had a relative downturn in his production last season, Collins was still an important member of the starting unit for the Hawks. His shooting percentage from the perimeter was also down, probably due to his finger injury, but he still contributed in so many ways. So, the question is, who on the Atlanta Hawks roster to turn to in order to fill the shoes of John Collins now that he is gone?
Atlanta Hawks player to step up No. 1) AJ Griffin.
The Hawks’ first-round pick from last season should get more playing time in his sophomore year. He showed some of what he was capable of last season in 72 games, averaging 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.6 steals in 19.5 minutes per game.
While Griffin is undersized at 6’6″, when the Hawks go small-ball, Griffin can play the four. He is a solid, willing defender who is a natural shooter at the other end of the court. Both of these skillsets are going to be crucial for the second unit which is the group Griffin is going to spend most of his time playing with.
Atlanta Hawks player to step up No. 2) Saddiq Bey.
The front-runner for the starting position vacated by Collins, Saddiq Bey is a good fit for the Hawks. While his defense is not his strong suit, Bey has the desirable ability to score in bunches at times. His ability to connect on the long ball has the effect of spacing the floor so that his All-Star caliber back-court can go to work.
Bey is going into a contract year and is playing for his financial future in the league. If he can fit into the Hawks system more comfortably than he did last season then this should push the Hawks up the standings and could mean that he is offered a contract to stay in Georgia.
At 6’7″, Bey is also a little undersized as a starting power forward but he is going to be playing alongside Clint Capela who is one of the best defenders in the league. If he can push his player into the right spots on the floor then that will be enough of that end of the court. It is offensively where Bey needs to be at his most dangerous.
In the 25 games that Bey played as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, Bey had his worst scoring average for his career with only 11.6 points per game. However, he had the best return from beyond the arc, shooting the long ball at 40.0 percent on 5.0 attempts per game. If he could up his scoring average while keeping the same percentage, he will help the Hawks no end.
Atlanta Hawks player to step up No. 3) Jalen Johnson.
When he was drafted, Jalen Johnson had the hallmarks of the heir apparent for Collins. He is a tremendous player in transition who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He has the chance to use his athleticism to become a strong weakside rim protector in the same light as Collins.
The problem with Johnson is that he is the unfinished gem, lacking the polish that is going to come as he continues his career in the league. He can pass, shoot, handle the ball, rebound, and protect the rim but just not at the level that he will get to.
If he starts over Bey then this could speed up his development to no end, Pitting his game against the best in the league at his position would benefit the team longer term. Unfortunately, this could also stop the Hawks from competing at the level they want, which is contending for a championship.
As such, Johnson should continue to come off the bench for the time being, and this will hopefully strengthen the second unit. The level that Johnson is able to develop will determine how much of the role that Collins being traded has made available.
Atlanta Hawks player to step up No. 4) Onyeka Okongwu
The longest-tenured Hawks player on this list, Onyeka Okongwu is the player with arguably the most to offer in the absence of Collins. He is also entering a contract year as the team is yet to reach an agreement regarding his future at this point in the offseason. This could help Okongwu’s production whilst he is on the court.
However, this point aside, Okongwu has the potential to sign for a greater amount at the end of next season with the new CBA. He may be waiting to see what he could be offered as a restricted free agent before signing on the dotted line for any franchise.
His defensive ability is going to be coveted by many Eastern Conference contenders as he has shown that he has the ability to go with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is still the most dominant player in the East, so the path to The Finals leads through Giannis.
Okongwu has been developing a jump shot as well as other aspects of his game so don’t be surprised to see him playing alongside Clint Capela more often. He is not going to space the floor in the way that Collins used to but his defensive presence will have a much greater impact on winning and losing.