Atlanta Hawks: 3 goals for Alex Len in 2018-19

2. Coexist with John Collins

John Collins, barring injury or bad play, will start at power forward on opening night. Collins was one of the best rookie surprises last year, and not just because of his highlight reel dunks. The skill-sets of both Collins and Len have the potential to complement each other, but there is also an outcome where the two players get in each other’s way.

Alex Len is a forceful interior presence, but has tried to work on his mid-range touch. Improving on that 10-15 foot shot can go a long way to opening up lanes for Collins to work in the paint. Over the offseason and even at the end of last season, Collins was working on expanding his game out to the 3-point line. We should expect him to improve that part of his game to open up the middle for Len to work down there at times as well.

These two young Hawks can be a real force against opponents if they can perfect working together and play to each other’s strengths. They have the athleticism and size, but if they are able to develop chemistry, it could take the duo to a whole new level.