Atlanta Hawks: 5 reasons why John Collins was a good draft pick

Atlanta Hawks: 5 reasons John Collins was a good pick

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; John Collins (Wake Forest) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number nineteen overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 11, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) dunks the ball during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Rebounding ability

For all of the criticism surrounding Dwight Howard‘s time with the Atlanta Hawks, his 12.7 rebounds per game were instrumental as the team ranked ninth in the league in rebounding.

The Hawks ranked 10th in offensive rebounds and 13th in defensive rebounds while out-rebounding opponents by 0.5 per game. The selection of John Collins makes the trade of Howard to Charlotte a bit more digestible.

Collins proved to be adept at collecting missed shots on both ends of the floor, as he totaled 200 defensive and 124 offensive rebounds. Only North Carolina’s Kennedy Meeks managed more offensive rebounds in ACC play last year.

Collins tallied 10 performances with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, tops in the conference, while ranking third in offensive rebounding percentage and leading all ACC players in defensive and total rebounding percentages.

The 220-pound forward ranked second in the conference with 9.8 rebounds per game, as he proved capable of coming away with the ball even when battling multiple opponents. The rebounding presence of Collins could be a huge asset during the 2017-18 season.

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