The Miami Heat could have their ideal fit next to Bam with this next guy. Well, that’s once John Collins and the Hawks are done in the playoffs.
Though a military child, specifically meaning moving from place to place growing up, John Collins graduated from high school in West Palm Beach, Florida. With that, the Miami Heat should look to try and bring him home… of sorts.
3. John Collins
John Collins‘ upcoming free agency has been heavily documented. After failing to get the contract extension he desired last year, Collins bet on himself and decided to play another season before entering restricted free agency.
While his stats have dipped a little this season, 21 points per game last season to 18 points per game this season, I attribute that to the fact that the Hawks simply have more contributors this year.
He shoots 56% from the field, while also shooting 40% from three over the last two seasons. He would be an excellent frontcourt partner to Bam, as he can space the floor and provide the Heat with their forward pair for the future.
He could also help the current squad compete, as he could complete a Big 3 comprised of Collins, Butler, and Bam. While the Heat need help with scoring, they also need rebounding help in the frontcourt with Bam Adebayo.
Collins averaged 10 rebounds in 2019-20, showing he has a talent for picking up the boards. The Heat have to be careful with Collins, however, as they can’t overpay for a player who does not seem worth the max.
Collins seems to want upward of $100 million for his contract, which does not seem worth it for a player who would be the third best player on the roster. However, if they can get him on a sensible deal that benefits both parties, I think he would be a superb pickup and upgrade for the current squad.
The Heat are obviously in win-now mode. However, it is hard not to look to the future when our second best player is a 23 year old All-Star center.
I think the front office should make moves to improve the current roster but also keep the future in mind as Bam is obviously the long term face of the franchise.