2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 6 power rankings
7. John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
Last week: No. 8 (↑1)
Rookie big man John Collins has been one of the bright spots for the Atlanta Hawks this season after losing both Paul Millsap and Dwight Howard to free agency this past summer. Collins is averaging 11.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while coming into his own on the defensive end as well.
Collins ranks seventh among rookies in points per game and ties Lonzo Ball for third in rebounds per game. He also has four double-doubles on the season. I’d be surprised not to see Collins in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest, he hasn’t been shy about getting to the rim since joining the Hawks roster.
NBD, John Collins just dunking all over the Clippers pic.twitter.com/tSI5Bp1C52
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) November 23, 2017
Atlanta has inserted Collins into the starting lineup the past two games and they’ve reaped the rewards on the offensive end. Collins posted his fourth double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) in his first start of the season on Wednesday night. He also had four steals and three assists.
The Hawks are still searching for an identity as they are 4-15 on the young season. Expect to see Collins become a go-to scoring option as the season progresses.