Atlanta Hawks: 5 goals for John Collins' rookie season

Atlanta Hawks: 5 goals for John Collins’ rookie season

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 26: General Manager Travis Schlenk of the Atlanta Hawks introduces new draft pick John Collins during a Press Conference on June 26, 2017 at Fox Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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2. Lead Atlanta in rebounding

The combination of Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap accounted for over 40 percent of the total rebounds grabbed by the Atlanta Hawks last season.

With both players suiting up elsewhere, it is going to be up to John Collins to fill the rebounding void.

Collins was one of the most effective rebounders in Summer League play, pulling down an average of 9.6 per game, while displaying a penchant for collecting offensive rebounds.

In each of his five games, Collins pulled down at least two offensive rebounds, while averaging 3.2 offensive rebounds per game overall.

The Hawks ranked ninth in total rebounds last season, totaling 44.3 rebounds per game and routinely closing out defensive possessions by reeling in errant shots. Atlanta’s opponents posted an average of 10.7 offensive rebounds a night, the eighth fewest in the league.

If Collins can extend scoring opportunities for the Hawks by corralling offensive rebounds and close out opponents possessions by consistently pulling down defensive rebounds, he could be in contention for Rookie of the Year honors.

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