When the Los Angeles Clippers executed a three-team trade with the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz on July 7, the move was framed as a bit of a mixed bag. Los Angeles sent wing Norman Powell to Miami despite a career-best season in 2024. Powell averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, which were all career highs.
The acquisition of Collins made it clear that the Clippers are prioritizing defense in 2025. One thing that was painfully evident in their seven-game elimination at the hands of the Denver Nuggets was their struggles to defend inside. Superstar big man Nikola Jokic picked apart Los Angeles inside and out, to the tune of a 24-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist average in the series.
By adding Collins, the Clippers aimed to beef up their front line to match up with bigger teams such as Denver, Minnesota, Houston, and other Western Conference contenders.
But it begs the question: does John Collins fit that bill?
John Collins’ defense can be an issue, particularly against the game’s best
Atlanta Hawks fans know this truth more than any fanbase in the NBA. They’ve lived through Collins’ six-year run in the ATL, and know that it’s not all perfect.
On offense, Collins is a tenacious player who can both space the floor and earn baskets inside the paint. That flexibility makes him an asset to any club who sees themselves as a contender. But his defense abilities have been an issue for some time now.
During his final years with the Hawks, the team was forced to deal with his issues defending perimeter players. He was also slow to analyze developing offensive plays, leading to blow-bys from opponents and easy looks at the rim.
Collins has averaged a block per game throughout his career, but hasn’t been a stalwart inside. In a modern NBA where the power forward position is asked to defend both in the paint and on the perimeter, he has proven to be below-average at both.
Atlanta is no stranger to employing a struggling defender who attempts to compensate on the offensive end. Team centerpiece Trae Young is entering his eighth season with the club.
The difference between Young and Collins, however, is stark. Young is a much more versatile offensive player with a higher ceiling. Collins can be a valuable piece, no doubt, but is more restricted in his usage based on defensive issues.
Los Angeles clearly fancies themselves as a contender in the West. Only time will tell how Collins fits into their rotation.