Worst Behavior: Looking at the worst thing to happen to each team so far this season

Atlanta Hawks – John Collins suspension

The Hawks were already off to a slower start than they would have liked. After two wins to open the season against the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic they dropped three in a row to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat twice. Then the worst happened. John Collins was suspended for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. For a team looking to make a leap in Trae Young’s second season, this had the potential to end their season before it even began.

And it did. The Hawks went an abysmal 4-21 over those 25 games, landing them firmly in the bottom of the standings for the season. Collins would return with a great stat line (27 points, 10 rebounds) in another loss and would go on to appear in 41 games for the Hawks this season. Overall the improvement for Collins this season is clear. He improved his numbers across the board to 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while continuing to improve his outside shot.

This only makes his absence that much more painful. The team has a fantastic young core that is growing and needs as many reps together as possible to jell. Collins cost them that opportunity this season and will look to change that next season. Young made his first All-Star team and has made it clear he is ready to win. Next season will be big.