Atlanta Hawks: Ranking the last 10 first round picks
By Corey Rausch
Number 2: John Collins
Simply put, John Collins was the first step in building the core of the future. Drafted 17th overall in 2017 Collins has been a solid contributor for the team since day. He made the All-Rookie second team after averaging 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
He improved in his second year, paired alongside rookie sensation Trae Young. He increased his output in points (19.5), rebounds (9.8) and minutes (30 per game) while slowly improving as a 3-point shooter. Developing into more of a modern NBA big man was essential for his growth and while he has been vocal about not wanting to be a center he has evolved into a solid defensive big man with a modern-day game.
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His third season had some rocky moments, most notably his suspension for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. That being said he missed only one other game all season and returned from suspension with a stellar 27 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawks.
His numbers went up again this year overall, improving to 21.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game with shooting splits of .583/.401/.800. His suspension notwithstanding Collins is growing into a reliable young cornerstone. At only 22, the best is yet to come. The Hawks brought in Clint Capela and look to make more moves looking toward being a playoff team next season. If not for the next man on this list, Collins was the easy choice for number one.