The Charlotte Hornets are looking for an upgrade at the center position and Atlanta Hawks’ forward-center John Collins may be an option.
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The Hawks offered Collins a contract extension of around $90 million prior to the December 21, 2020 deadline for him to agree to an extension but Collins turned it down because of his desire to sign a deal at or near the max.
Reportedly, the Hawks are willing to listen to offers for the 23-year old, fourth-year player. Any deal for Collins won’t come cheap. The Hawks are looking for a high, first-round lottery pick in exchange for Collins.
Collins will be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2020-2021 NBA season.
Collins has played 27 games so far this season. He averages 18.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 block, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 54.4% from the field and 41.1% from three.
Collins averaged 9.9 rebounds over the last two seasons prior to the Hawks’ acquiring Clint Capela this past offseason. His future has been in doubt with the team since Capela arrived.
Collins is 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan who can play the center and both forward positions. Defensively, he would help the Hornets to improve in rebounding. Due to his size and long arms, he is able to block shots and help the Hornets defend the rim. He needs to continue to improve his one-on-one defense but he good feel and instinct as a help defender.
Collins is a mobile big man who can be an excellent complement to Hornets’ forward PJ Washington. His footwork allows him to do good work in the post and can put the ball on the court to create offense. Collins continues to improve his shot. He has a good shooting stroke and has the ability to knock down jumpers in the mid-range; he has also continued to improve his three-point shot and is currently shooting a career-high percentage from three.
For the right player, Hornets’ general manager Mitch Kupchak would consider giving up a first-round pick. The issue with Collins will be is contract demands. Whether the Hornets would consider giving Collins a near-max contract will determine if they are serious players in bringing him to Charlotte.