Indiana Pacers: 5 options for pick No. 18 in 2017 NBA Draft

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Mar 4, 2017; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) shoots while being defended by Virginia Tech Hokies forward Zach LeDay (32) in the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

John Collins, PF/C, Wake Forest

2016-17 Statistics: 19.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG

After two seasons with the Demon Deacons, big man John Collins left school to enter the 2017 NBA Draft. Collins is a young power forward/center who appears to have a lot to offer at the next level.

Collins is a top-tier athlete who plays with aggression and consistency. He has good post skills, and is considered to be a very good rebounder. He has a frame that can carry more weight if he is able to bulk up after entering the pro ranks.

Defense is also on his list of positive traits, as he is a noted help defender (rotating as well as blocking shots). In terms of intangibles, Collins has a reputation as a very hard worker both on and off the basketball floor.

Collins is not an outside shooter; he does almost all his scoring around the basket. However, he may be able to develop that part of his game in the NBA — he has good form on his shot, he just didn’t attempt to score from distance in college.

There are some finer points that Collins needs to improve upon, including passing out of double-teams in the post and getting off his feet too often on defense as a result of trying to block shots.

Overall, John Collins is a very good frontcourt prospect who appears to be NBA-ready. He will prosper the most on a team that is willing to use him in post-up situations — not something every team does in today’s NBA.

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