Miami Heat: Though John Collins Fits, He Isn’t The Best Because He’s Redundant
We saw this same situation in the playoffs this year for Miami and it did not always turn out well for them. Capella is the best defender on the Hawks, but Atlanta’s defense taking a hit with Collins at center is an indication that the same would be true if he were in Miami.
The Heat can’t afford something like that right now.
The offensive contribution that Collins could provide becomes less striking when you consider how he gets most of his points. Trae Young assisted on 141 of the baskets made by John Collins last season.
While Collins is a skilled player, he needs an even more skilled playmaker like Trae Young to get him involved in the offense. Although the Heat have a playmaker of their own in Kyle Lowry, Young and Collins have a special connection as a one-two punch in the NBA.
His abilities might not translate as well on a team without a playmaker and alley-oop thrower like Trae Young. All of this is why trading for John Collins wouldn’t be the worst idea, but it wouldn’t be the best either.
The biggest drawback is that the Heat would likely need to give up more than Collins would be worth as a member of the Miami Heat. Although the Heat are good at getting the most out of all their players, the skills of Collins might not translate to the Heat as well as they would anticipate.
That’s why it’s best to focus their attention elsewhere as the NBA Draft settles upon us.