The Hawks have had a quiet offseason. They did extend Dejounte Murray to an extremely team-friendly contract, but the biggest change on a personnel level came when Atlanta traded John Collins to Utah.
The former 19th overall pick from the 2017 NBA Draft now joins the Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gay and a measly second-round pick. It’s not even close to what the Hawks could’ve gotten when his trade value was highest and can only be looked at as a massive screw-up on Atlanta’s part.
Collins is entering his seventh season after averaging 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game in 30 minutes per game with the Hawks last season. However, once upon a time, JC was a 20 and 10 guy.
The 25–year-old Collins’ best campaign came in 2019-20 when he averaged 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Personally, he should be remembered as a great Hawk, but some will point to his lack of production as a good riddance; I won’t stand for that.
Prior to being traded, John Collins was the longest-tenured member of the Hawks, and he provided fans with a ton of excitement, energy, and passion. There might not be a more consummate professional than JC. The offense didn’t cater to him, especially with an offensive zero like Clint Capela playing next to him and two ball dominant guards. He was forced to stand in a corner and try to overcome a gruesome finger injury.
None of it was fair, but Collins never complained and did what the team asked of him. I hope he revives his career in Utah with the Jazz. Nobody deserves it more than John Collins. He penned Hawks fans a goodbye, and it’s just more proof of the kind of man he is.
“This one definitely stung… But as I see it, it is this hawks time to fly away from the nest. As my growth here is being stunted… And my business in Atlanta has come to an end. I can only hope y’all love me like I do y’all! … Until next time……BAPTIST OUT!“
Good luck in Utah, John Collins; you’ll always have a fan in me.
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Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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