John Collins’ departure presents opportunity for Young Hawks
[T]he Hawks' biggest offseason move involved them trading former first-round pick John Collins to the Utah Jazz. The need to get out of the $78.5 million remaining on Collins' contract was essential in the mind's of those running the organization, which is why Atlanta dumped him in Utah for Rudy Gay...and a future second-round pick.
Collins has been rumored to be on the trade block for years and actually had some suitors ahead of the trade deadline this past season, but brought virtually zero value back to Atlanta. Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Hawks want to not only get back to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, but advance past the first-round and prove that they can contend against the best of the best in the conference.
In order to do so, others outside of Murray and Trae Young will need to step up, specifically in terms of replacing Collins at the power forward position.
Who will replace Collins?Ahead of the trade deadline last season, the Hawks made a move to acquire Saddiq Bey from the Detroit Pistons. A scoring weapon out on the wing who has shown flashes of his three-point shooting potential, Bey is expected to hold a key role that will likely be in Atlanta' starting unit to begin the 2023-24 season.
Both he and De'Andre Hunter can play either forward position and it would make sense for Bey to see his role increase, especially with Quin Snyder having a full offseason to work with this team. When he was with the Jazz, Snyder valued three-point shooting on the wing and during the 2020-21 season, perimeter shooting led Utah to having the best record in the Western Conference.
It is not hard to believe that the Hawks' new coach will look to instill much of the success he found with the Jazz into the principles this team follows. Three-point shooting has been and will continue to be a point of emphasis for the Hawks, hence why Bey will be a key secondary contributor next to the team's All-Star backcourt.
Bey is not the only forward on this team's roster that is expected to see his role increase in light of Collins' departure. Drafted 20th overall in 2021, Jalen Johnson is heading into his third season with the Hawks and is still just 21 years old. An athletic, lengthy forward who has spent most of his time in the league working on his craft, Johnson is definitely next in line to see his minutes increase.
Johnson saw increased playing time after Snyder's arrival, as the young forward became a consistent part of the team's rotations. Many within the organization have been impressed with his growth in such a short time, sources told ClutchPoints, and
there is a real belief that JJ could become the team's starting power forward at some point in the next year.“Jalen is a versatile player that can do a lot. He can handle the ball a little bit, he's big, he's physical and his athleticism definitely stands out,” a team source who was granted anonymity to speak freely told ClutchPoints. “His ability to drive downhill and get to the rim and finish is very special. Obviously JJ is still developing his jump shot, but he definitely has the confidence to score from anywhere. Versatility is something every team looks for nowadays and he certainly fits the mold of being a unique player who can guard multiple positions while being explosive around the rim on the opposite side of the floor.”
Size, athleticism and a knack for finishing around the hoop are the three things that stand out about Johnson's potential in Atlanta's frontcourt. Not to mention, he really showcased his abilities to run the floor in transition this past year. With Young and Murray both having the ability to push the pace of play, Johnson should continue to find success running the floor as a hybrid option for the Hawks.
Mouhamed Gueye is another intriguing name to bring up in these conversations despite Atlanta adding him in the second-round of this year's draft. While he's not expected to be a part of the team's main rotation right away, Gueye possesses impressive length at the power forward position and he has a high understanding for where to be on both ends of the floor. In Summer League, Gueye was very active on both ends of the floor, especially contesting and attempting to block his opponent's shots. It will take time, but the second-round pick could eventually find himself as a key bench contributor in Atlanta.
