According to a Shams Charania report, Hawks big man John Collins has grown increasingly frustrated with his role. The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner provides more detail on Collins’ beefs.
Collins has spoken to head coach Nate McMillan about an increased offensive role but those concerns haven’t been properly addressed. The 24-year-old has also challenged his teammates to be more focused on the defensive end, but it hasn’t worked.
“I’ve banged my head on the wall a couple of times trying to figure it out myself,” Collins said of the defense. “There’s really no excuse. … All I can say is it’s unacceptable and we have to dig down and do the things necessary to win or this is going to be the result every night.”
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Cam Reddish has been a prime sources of trade chatter, but The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor argues the Hawks should hold onto the 22-year-old forward. In O’Connor’s view, the Hawks would be better off trading Kevin Huerter or Bogdan Bogdanovic since they have similar skills, while Reddish provides more defensively and has a higher ceiling offensively.
- Rui Hachimura has finally returned to action after an extended personal absence. The Wizards forward wouldn’t go into detail about his absence but said he’s happy to be back in uniform, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. “I’ve been waiting for this moment,” he said. “I had to take a little time off, but I’m so happy to be back on the court and playing with these guys. I missed the feeling,”
- Milwaukee’s championship should give the Hornets reason for optimism that their small market team can reach the pinnacle, Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer writes. Charlotte’s ownership must exercise patience in the front office and the coaching staff, as the Bucks did, to allow the team’s young players to blossom while assembling the right pieces around them.
CJ to the Hawks …. He’s excatly what they need imo. I agree with keeping Cam. Cause he still has upside. But I don’t think they can bring back a big talent. Without including him in trade. Fact Hawks GM is crying. And this team has taken a step back. I do think they will make a trade.
I like Sabonis better but the trade with Collins here is more straight-forward. The desire to improve on the defensive end sounds like Portland would frustrate him, though.
How CJ will be what they need if they rank 28Def RTG, and 2Off RTG????
The “Atlanta is the next NBA dynasty” guy has been awfully quiet this year.
A Derrick White/John Collins centered trade would make a lot of sense for both parties.
Hawks say no thanks
Hawks targets if they are thinking about trading Collins:
Damontas Sabonis
Wood, Porter and picks?
Brandon Ingram
Donovan Mitchell
Ben Simmons
Need to get that all star level side kick for Trae Young. Everyone should be available for trade on this team except for Trae.