Seven games into his NBA career, Atlanta Hawks rookie John Collins is putting up positive numbers. While splitting time at center with starter Dewayne Dedmon, Collins has been impressive, averaging 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in just 20.1. minutes of action. On a per-36 minute basis, this translates to 20.4 points and 13.0 rebounds. Though he is eighth on the team in minutes played, he is among the team leaders in total rebounds, offensive rebounds, free throws made, free throw attempts, PER and Win Shares.
While seven games in is far too early to start making long term projections for Collins’ NBA career, it is not too early to make some observations about how he has adapted to the NBA game so far and take a look at what signs of growth we can be looking for next.