USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Hawks made a surprising decision in the off-season when they failed to extend John Collins’ contract. They could not come to an agreement after Collins rejected their $90 million extension. But this saga has taken a new turn now.
According to Sam Amick from The Athletic, the Hawks are willing to listen to offers for Collins. They are bound to lose him for nothing in the off-season, which is why they want to cash in before that.
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While teams could just snag him next season, contending teams require him now. Let’s look at three teams who need Collins right now.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics desperately need help with their big man department. They currently have a rotation of Tristan Thompson, Daniel Theis, and Robert Williams, which is nowhere near championship quality.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0), guard Jeff Teague (55), and guard Jaylen Brown (7) celebrate after making a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Adding Collins, who is an All-Star caliber player, will be a tremendous boost. That will move Thompson to the bench, and having a player like him off the bench will be great, as he can lead the young unit.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have Kristaps Porzingis, who is one of the elite big men in the league. But he has struggled with rebounding, and he hasn’t had any support either.
This has led to Mavs having the third-worst rebounding record in the league. Their rim protection has also been underwhelming.
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Feb 12, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Kristaps Porzingis (6) celebrate during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicansat American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
This is where Collins comes in, and he could help them go from a good team to a contending team. Collins is hungry for playoff action, and he will be one of the best third stars in the league.
Miami Heat
Similar to the Mavs, the Heat have an All-Star big man in Bam Adebayo, but no one to support him. The loss of Jae Crowder has been tough for them, and they haven’t replaced him well.
This is why they are the worst rebounding team in the league and also the worst at blocking.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball as center Bam Adebayo (13) runs a pick against Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (middle) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Having a player like Collins would be beneficial for them as he offers rebounding, rim protection, and floor spacing as well. He is the perfect player for them right now, and they should offer whatever they can to the Atlanta Hawks to bring him to South Beach.
