Atlanta Hawks fans will not have the chance to watch rising star John Collins in the team's opening night game against the New York Knicks.
Collins underwent a non-surgical procedure on his ankle, according to the team. Mild inflammation and soreness in the left ankle will keep the Hawks youngster out of the lineup for a short period of time, but he will be re-evaluated on Oct. 22.
Collins averaged 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game as a rookie. He showed the potential to develop into an imposing big man inside and was named to the NBA's All-Rookie second team.
This is a tough blow for the Hawks, but nothing to be too concerned about. Collins is part of the future in Atlanta and unfortunately, this year is about building for the next few years in Atlanta. There's little incentive to push their young players through injury when it's clear the Hawks will be making another high lottery pick next summer.
Collins, Trae Young, and Taurean Prince are the players to watch in Atlanta. The Knicks have some young talent of their own in Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, and Mitchell Robinson. An opening night matchup between the Hawks and Knicks would feature two teams without any shot of playoff contention, but plenty of promising young players to keep the attention of the fan base.
Unfortunately, fans won't get to watch Collins take on the Knicks in New York. Instead, Young will saunter into Madison Square Garden and look to steal a win without his partner in crime.
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