In a surprising move this offseason, the Atlanta Hawks traded talented forward John Collins to the Utah Jazz. Collins, who had spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Hawks, took to Instagram on Monday to share his thoughts and feelings about the trade.
John Collins Shares Emotional Instagram Message
Collins began his heartfelt post by expressing his gratitude to the city of Atlanta and its fans. He acknowledged the impact the city had on his development as a player and as a person. He thanked the fans for their support, the culture they embraced him with, and the love they showed him throughout his time with the Hawks. Collins also appreciated the challenges he faced in Atlanta, acknowledging that they helped shape him into the man he is today.
Addressing the organization, Collins expressed his appreciation for their faith in him, even during his lowest moments. He thanked the Hawks for providing him with a place to grow and develop as a player. However, he acknowledged that his growth had hit a roadblock in Atlanta, implying that it was time for him to move on and spread his wings elsewhere.
Collins also took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards his teammates and mentors on the Hawks. He referred to them as his brothers and OGs (veterans) and assured them that they knew how he would continue to support them. It was evident that Collins had built strong relationships with his teammates during his time in Atlanta.
Recognizing the nature of the NBA as a business, Collins accepted that his time with the organization had come to an end. He expressed his hope that the fans would continue to support him in his new journey. Despite bidding farewell to Atlanta, Collins made it clear that he held a special place in his heart for the city and its people.
The trade sent Collins from a team that had recently reached the Eastern Conference Finals to a Jazz squad that missed the playoffs for the first time in six years. The Jazz finished as the 12th seed in the highly competitive Western Conference with a 37-45 record. Collins’ arrival in Utah brings new hope for both him and the team as they aim to bounce back in the upcoming season.
Throughout his career, Collins has been a consistent contributor on the court. He has averaged 15.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 55.1% from the field. He has also showcased his versatility by shooting 35.6% from beyond the arc. In addition to his regular-season performances, Collins has appeared in 29 NBA playoff games, demonstrating his ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations.
As Collins embarks on a new chapter with the Jazz, he leaves behind a legacy in Atlanta. His departure marks the end of an era for the Hawks, who have experienced significant growth during his tenure. Although the trade may have stung for Collins, his message on Instagram reflects his appreciation for the city, the organization, and the fans.
The Jazz, on the other hand, have acquired a talented forward who brings a combination of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking to their roster. Collins’ arrival provides a boost to Utah’s frontcourt and adds another dimension to their offensive and defensive schemes.
As the NBA offseason continues to unfold, fans will be eagerly anticipating how Collins will fit into the Jazz’s system and how he will contribute to their quest to return to the playoffs. One thing is for certain: Collins’ passion and dedication to the game will continue to shine through as he embraces the next chapter of his career in Utah.
