Atlanta Hawks: Ranking their projected starting five after free agency

Atlanta Hawks starter No. 2: John Collins

Big man John Collins undoubtedly has some uncertainty surrounding his future with the Atlanta Hawks after their moves this offseason. With the additions of Clint Capela, Danillo Gallinari, and the recently drafted Onyeka Okungwu, questions about a contract extension for Collins loom large with one year left on his current deal.

Nevertheless, as long as he is a member of the Atlanta Hawks, Collins is the second-best player on the roster without a doubt. The 23-year-old had a career-year in 2019-20, having averaged 21.6 points while shooting 58.3 percent from the field and an impressive 40.1 percent from deep, along with 10.1 rebounds per game. Collins showed substantial star potential and could be poised to leap into stardom next season.

Starter No. 1: Trae Young

Trae Young is coming off a strong sophomore season with the Atlanta Hawks, where he averaged 29.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game. The guard’s heroic efforts earned him All-Star starter honors, which just scratched the surface of his potential.

Young is the head of the snake for the Hawks, and with their much-improved roster, they are banking on him to lead them into the postseason. The 2020-21 season is shaping up to be special for Atlanta, but it starts with Trae Young taking another step forward in his development, as there is no shortage of potential in his game.