5 NBA players primed for a bounce-back season in 2023
By Lior Lampert
NBA players primed for a bounce-back season: 4. John Collins
After seemingly being mentioned in trade rumors for years, John Collins has finally found a new home. Collins was sent to the Jazz this Summer in exchange for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick after he recorded the lowest point and rebound numbers since his rookie year, along with the lowest field goal percentage and 3-point percentage of his career.
The Hawks continued to slowly phase him out of the offense as time went on, but at his peak in 2019-2020, he was a player who averaged 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while shooting 40 percent from 3. Collins is also a proven shot blocker and rim presence that has averaged at least one block per game in five of his six seasons.
Collin’ 3-and-D ability combined with the lob threat ability should keep him on the floor and could even allow Jazz head coach Will Hardy to play him alongside fellow Jazz big men Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. Turning 26 in September, Collins is a talented player and proven commodity who is entering the prime of his career and should be looking forward to the change of scenery in Utah.