Atlanta Hawks: 2017 NBA Draft grades
No. 19 — John Collins
The Atlanta Hawks managed to land the most polished low-post scorer with the 19th overall pick Thursday night.
Last season at Wake Forest, Collins managed to score 7.6 points in the post per game, the highest figure of any NCAA player, while shooting 53 percent from the field on those attempts.
Collins closed out his sophomore season by averaging 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per gamae while converting 62.2 percent of his attempts from the field.
No player from the ACC managed to replicate those figures of at least 19 points, 9.0 rebounds and 60 percent shooting from the field since Tim Duncan‘s senior season in 1996-97 with the Demon Deacons.
Atlanta is hoping Collins can instantly become a potent cutter to the basket off pick-and-rolls with point guard Dennis Schroder.
The team ran 10.1 pick-and-roll plays a night for Schroder last season, the seventh-most in the NBA, resulting in 8.4 of his 17.9 points per game.
Collins was exceptional at rolling to the basket off the play, generating 1.7 points per possession, essentially making him an automatic two points.
👂👂👂 pic.twitter.com/XBUxhrYxff
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 23, 2017
For Collins to become a potential franchise player, he will need to dramatically improve his efforts on the defensive end of the floor.
At times he appeared lost, resulting in easy baskets for the opposition. Frequently out of position, Collins would often place himself in foul trouble.
While the 19-year-old has plenty to improve at the next level, Collins clearly has the backing of the front office.
Travis Schlenk said had chance to move up but targeted player was gone. Had chance to move down but didn't want Collins was available.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) June 23, 2017
The Hawks had a clear need for some offense and the addition of Collins gives the team the most promising post player in the class of 2017.
Grade: B