Atlanta Hawks: John Collins max-contract talks should be on hold

Atlanta Hawks’ big man John Collins will be eligible for a max-contract extension soon, but the team should wait with several looming questions present.

John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks has improved every year of his young career, and many expected to see another significant leap in the 2019-20 campaign. Next to Trae Young, the tandem looked as if they could potentially at least make a run at the postseason, even if they would not be legitimate contenders.

The Hawks started the season 2-3, and although a small sample size, the big man started the year off with some intriguing all-around numbers. Collins averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, as his stats took a slight step back compared to last season. However, after those games, Collin earned a 25 game suspension for PED use and entirely derailed Atlanta’s promising season.

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The team went downhill fast without Trae Young’s running mate, but the Wake Forest alum made the most of his season when he came back from his 25-game absence. In 41 games this year before the NBA’s suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic, Collins averaged 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, a welcomed step forward after his slow start to the season. His highly efficient offense might have been the most impressive part of his game, as he averaged 58.3 percent field goal shooting and 40.1 percent from behind the arc.

With the remainder of this season in jeopardy, the Atlanta Hawks will have to decide if they want to give John Collins a contract extension when he becomes eligible this offseason, whenever that is. The 22-year-old still has one year left on his rookie deal after this season but believes he has showcased that he deserves a maximum contract extension right now. He shared this belief with Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journalism-Constitution.

"“When we’re talking max numbers and money, I feel like I definitely (am in) the conversation to have earned that money with the Hawks specifically, but obviously I know there’s a business and we don’t always get exactly what we want,” Collins said. “But I want to be a Hawk, I want to stay with the Hawks.”"

Aside from his troublesome 25 game suspension, the are several looming factors that could play into a John Collins’ extension, the first being the shrinking salary cap due to the coronavirus shutdown aftermath. Because of this shrinkage, Collins’ desire for a lucrative extension could get pushed back.

Another significant factor is his fit next to big man Clint Capela, whom the team acquired in February, but never suited up for them due to injury. Many speculated that the pair might not mesh well together on the court, even though the move could allow Collins to slide from center back to his natural position at the power forward position. As for Collins, he believes that he and Capela could thrive side by side.

"“I’m pretty versatile, so I feel (like) for the people who don’t watch, when they do watch, it’s like ‘OK, John can stretch the floor,” Collins said. “‘ Oh wow, John and Clint can play well (together), Clint’s still doing his thing rolling and playing above the rim, and I’m still playing above the rim, because we have elite playmakers out there on the court… Clint fits right in to what we do, so it’s not like he comes in and messes anything up on my end.”"

While Collins has an optimistic approach, the team would likely want to see them on the court together before making a decision. On paper, this young team at full strength looks as if it could take a significant leap forward next season, but Collins and Capela’s frontcourt fit remains the team’s biggest question mark.

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With one year remaining on his contract, the Atlanta Hawks have the upper hand in this situation as they can let Collins play out that final year before ultimately deciding if needed. If they feel like he is not a long-term option, Shams Charina of The Athletic (subscription required) reported earlier this season that several teams were “feeling out” Atlanta’s asking price on Collins before the trade deadline. If he is made available, several teams would potentially make a run at the ascending star.

Still, the likelihood of letting Collins go seems unrealistic, as he has asserted himself as a centerpiece for this young core beside Trae Young. If Collins can pick up where he left when the NBA resumes, he could potentially be in All-Star consideration because of his impressive numbers.

Whether it be a max-contract as Collins hopes for or some other form of extension, the big man will likely receive a payday, but the Atlanta Hawks should stay patient with the process. The team finished the season with an abysmal 20-47 record, partially because of how much time Collins missed, so he does hold some leverage there in terms of value. His shortened career year this season also impressed many as the 22-year-old showcased major growth in his third year.

While any talks of a contract extension remain up in the air at the moment, it will be intriguing to see if the Atlanta Hawks believe he is a max player or not.

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