Atlanta Hawks: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Storyline 2: Rapid development of John Collins

Projected to be a lottery selection throughout much of the draft process, the Atlanta Hawks were elated when Wake Forest power forward John Collins fell to them with the 19th overall pick.

Few players capable of scoring efficiently and controlling the board slip that far in the draft, and once he was chosen by Atlanta, it became clear Paul Millsap wouldn’t be offered a contract in free agency.

Expectations surrounding the 19-year-old are high, and the Hawks’ offensive system fits right in with the skill-set of Collins. He explained just how much freedom he is being provided within the offense to ESPN. 

"“My ability to play off the pick-and-roll, open plays for other guys and use my athletic body to catch lobs, that’s what I do every night,” Collins said. “They are giving me free rein to do all that.”"

Collins dominated during his stint with the Hawks at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. His play garnered plenty of attention across the internet, as Collins routinely rocked the rim each time he stepped onto the court.

The Hawks will need Collins to do much more than build a highlight reel, something he achieved during his sophomore season in college. Collins led the NCAA with a Player Efficiency Rating of 35.9 last season, one of just 13 players to close out the year with a PER above 30.

If Collins can contend for the team lead in rebounding and scoring, he could be in contention for Rookie of the Year honors.