Trae Young and the struggling Atlanta Hawks are set to receive a major boost to their rotation. Forward John Collins, who has been out due to COVID-19, has cleared protocols and will be available for an important weekend in LA against the Lakers and Clippers.
Hawks forward John Collins has cleared health and safety protocols and is expected to join the team in Los Angeles, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Atlanta plays the Lakers on Friday and Clippers on Sunday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 5, 2022
This comes at the perfect time for the Hawks, who are just 3-7 in their last 10 games. Collins won't join Atlanta for Wednesday's game in Sacramento, but the fact that he'll be back soon is a huge plus.
Collins is easily the Hawks' second-best player to Young and a key part of their team. He's averaging 17.6 points. 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per night on an impressive 42.7% clip from downtown. The 24-year-old hasn't played since Christmas Day when Atlanta lost to the Knicks. Trae was also out for that game at MSG.
The Hawks have been one of the teams hit the hardest by the virus. They had 10 players sidelined as of Boxing day because of COVID-19, but after Collins makes his return, that number will be down to just three. Needless to say, the situation has improved over the last 10 days.
Young and the Hawks will be looking to grab a much-needed win against the Kings after their franchise star dropped an NBA-season high of 56 points on Monday, only for them to lose a 136-131 thriller to the Portland Trail Blazers. Head coach Nate McMillan is also in protocols.
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