The J-Notes
Fansided

6 biggest questions for the Utah Jazz heading to training camp

By Chad Porto

Ochai Agbaji of the Utah Jazz.
Ochai Agbaji of the Utah Jazz. /
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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 04: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks battles Royce O’Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at State Farm Arena on February 4, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 04: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks battles Royce O’Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at State Farm Arena on February 4, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Can John Collins return to his near-All-Star form?

John Collins was a rising star for the Atlanta Hawks before the arrival of Trae Young. In fact, he was seen as the perfect compliment for Young. A pick and roll, lob-specialist, that could give Young a needed and reliable secondary option. Even before Collins’ finger injury, he and Young never truly meshed.

Injuries slowed Collins down after his first three seasons in the league, and while he still put up decent numbers, he was still struggling to play a full season. Collins has played 70 games just twice in his career, and that type of recurring issue has made some weary of what Collins can provide for a contender.

But that’s the thing about Collins, if he can stay healthy he could be the perfect compliment for Lauri Markkanen. He’s a skilled shooter and can hit at least one three per game if not more. At his apex, he can put up a shooting split of .583/.401/.800, while posting a stat line of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

If that’s the type of production the Jazz traded for, then Utah is in for a treat. Yet, if Collins can’t return to that standard of play, perhaps a trade would be best, that way some of the rookies could get some action in a season where many don’t expect too much out of the squad.

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