The Miami Heat will hold a workout for one of the more polarizing prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft.
As the Miami Heat continue to hold workouts for some of the top low-post prospects in the NBA Draft, they’ve scheduled some time to check out Wake Forest’s John Collins, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
"The Heat, which is bringing in select players for pre-draft workouts, has booked a session next Wednesday with Wake Forest power forward/center John Collins, according to a source."
Collins is among the more polarizing prospects in the draft, mainly because of questions of how he fits into the modern NBA. Collins can play both frontcourt positions, and has range out to 15 feet. He’s down to hit a mid-range jumper here and there, finish in pick-and-rolls, and has the potential to become an elite rebounder.
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However, his defense is a question. According to The Ringer’s scouting report, Collins is a “Poor defender who doesn’t stay seated in his stance and gets too handsy. He’s not lazy, just lacks fundamentals.”
Under Erik Spoelstra, players who have struggled defensively before joining the Heat have taken a leap (see: Ellington, Wayne and Whiteside, Hassan). With the proper coaching, Collins has the athleticism to become a good defender, and is agile enough to guard in pick-and-roll situations.
His measurables–6-foot-9 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan–compare to current Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson. In their latest mock draft, DraftExpress has Collins going to the Heat at No. 14.
A few things lead scouting-types to question his fit in today’s league. (1) His strengths are his low-post scoring moves and rebounding, which aren’t as valued in the NBA as they once were. (2) He has a thin frame, and could struggle to defend bigger centers. (3) He’s not an adept passer, averaging just 0.8 assists per 40 minutes.
If he doesn’t improve defensively or extend his range as a shooter, Collins will end up as a skinny Enes Kanter–a fine player, but one whose role on winning teams is questionable.
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If the Heat think they can turn Collins into a plus-defender and pick-and-roll finisher, he’d be a valuable contributor. If not, then the league has passed guys like Collins by, and the Heat should pass on him too when they’re on the clock.