The 10 best players in the New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks series

Best players in the New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks series: #5 John Collins

There’s cause for concern about what Collins’ next steps may be. In a contract year, the power forward out of Wake Forest has seemingly regressed a bit. Collins’ main averages have dipped from 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds in 2019-20 to 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds this season.

Part of that may be due to Collins receiving as few shot attempts per game since his rookie year. Atlanta also signed Bogdan Bogdanovic last offseason, which practically shifted Collins to the third option on offense.

Even with the slight regression, Collins is a force for the Hawks that New York must take seriously. He’ll likely be guarded by Julius Randle, and with Collins’ athleticism, should be able to have his own on offense.

If you wanted one make or break player in this series, it’s Collins. If he plays timid and third wheel, New York can easily limit him to 15 points and 7 rebounds throughout the series. However, if Collins plays big and to his skillset, he can also average 20 and 9 and turn this series in the Hawks’ favor.