That’s how much the Hawks forward wanted to be a part of the Slam Dunk Contest, even as a rookie, during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend last year.
Collins is on that stage now.
He will again compete in the Rising Stars Challenge and debut in the Slam Dunk Contest this weekend in Charlotte. There is a long list of reasons Collins wanted a chance to show his above-the-rim abilities and join a list of Hawks who have won the contest. Dominique Wilkins (1985, 1990), Spud Webb (1986) and Josh Smith (2005) won the event as Hawks. Current teammate Vince Carter won with the Raptors (2000).