John Collins and the Atlanta Hawks: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know

If you follow the Atlanta Hawks, you’ve almost certainly heard the name John Collins. For several seasons, he was one of the most recognizable faces on the team, a high-flying forward who became a fan favorite at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta.

Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a game, or are just trying to understand how John Collins fits into recent Hawks history, this guide walks through his time in Atlanta, what changed, and how to experience Hawks basketball in the city today.

Who Is John Collins?

John Collins is a professional basketball player who played power forward for the Atlanta Hawks for multiple seasons after being drafted by the team in the first round in 2017.

During his time in Atlanta, he became known for:

• Above-the-rim play – alley-oops, putback dunks, and energetic finishes
• Pick-and-roll chemistry, especially with point guard Trae Young
• Reliable scoring and rebounding from the frontcourt
• Community visibility, regularly mentioned in connection with Atlanta’s basketball culture

For several years, if you went to a Hawks home game, you were likely to see Collins featured on in-arena graphics, introductions, and team promotions, and hear his name often from the PA announcer and local broadcasters.

John Collins’ Role with the Atlanta Hawks

How He Fit into the Team

For fans in Atlanta, Collins wasn’t just another player on the roster. He was a major part of the team’s core during a stretch when interest in the Hawks grew quickly.

In Atlanta, he was often seen as:

• A key scoring option in the frontcourt
• A lob target in transition and half-court sets
• An energetic presence that made games more exciting to watch live

When the Hawks made their deeper playoff runs, including attention-grabbing performances that energized the city, Collins was regularly in the starting lineup and contributed on both ends of the floor.

What Atlanta Fans Noticed Most

If you watched from the lower bowl at State Farm Arena or even from the 300 level, several parts of Collins’ game stood out:

• Big dunks that electrified the crowd
• Floor spacing, stepping out to hit jump shots
• High-motor hustle plays, such as offensive rebounds and chase-down blocks

Locally, his style of play helped make Hawks games more appealing to families, casual fans, and long-time basketball followers alike.

Is John Collins Still on the Atlanta Hawks?

John Collins is no longer on the Atlanta Hawks roster. He spent multiple seasons with the team before being traded as the front office reshaped the lineup and salary structure.

For an Atlanta-based fan, that means:

• You will no longer see Collins in a Hawks uniform at State Farm Arena.
• You may still see fans wearing his old Hawks jersey around the arena or in neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• When the team he currently plays for comes to Atlanta, you can still watch him as a visiting player, often receiving recognition from the in-arena crowd for his time with the Hawks.

If you want to verify current roster details before heading to a game, you can check the latest Hawks depth chart and game notes through official team channels shortly before tip-off.

Watching Games at State Farm Arena in Atlanta

Even though John Collins has moved on, the experience of watching Hawks basketball in Atlanta remains a big part of local sports culture.

Where the Hawks Play

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Located right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center in Downtown Atlanta, the arena is easily accessible for city residents, metro-area fans, and visitors staying nearby.

Getting to the Arena

Common options Atlanta fans use:

• MARTA rail – The GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line) is within walking distance of the arena, often the easiest option on busy game nights.
• Driving – Paid parking decks and surface lots are available around the arena district. Arriving early helps avoid congestion on major streets like Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Northside Drive.
• Rideshare – Designated pickup and drop-off zones are typically set up around the arena perimeter on game nights.

If you’re planning a visit specifically because of your interest in former Hawks players like Collins, it’s worth arriving early to see:

• Warm-ups, where you’ll get a better view of current Hawks frontcourt players running through similar drills and routines he used to run.
• In-arena features, which sometimes highlight recent team history and familiar faces.

How John Collins Helped Shape the Hawks Era You See Today

Even though he is no longer with the team, Collins’ time in Atlanta overlaps with a key transition period for the Hawks—from rebuilding to becoming a more regular playoff presence.

Atlanta fans may recognize his influence in:

• The up-tempo, above-the-rim style the team often plays
• The emphasis on pick-and-roll and spacing, which remains a core part of the offense
• The way frontcourt players are used to stretch the floor while still attacking the rim

For long-time local fans, Collins is part of the group of players who helped raise the profile of Hawks basketball in Atlanta, making home games more of an event and helping push the team back into the national conversation.

Following John Collins Now as an Atlanta-Based Fan

Even though John Collins isn’t on the Hawks, many Atlanta residents still follow his career out of appreciation for his time here.

Here are realistic ways Atlanta fans keep up with him:

• Watching visiting games: When his current team comes to State Farm Arena, many fans attend or tune in to see how he performs back in Atlanta.
• Local sports radio and TV: Atlanta-based coverage sometimes mentions his current performances when discussing former Hawks and how their careers have evolved.
• Community conversations: In Atlanta basketball circles—pick-up runs, barbershops, sports bars—Collins’ name often comes up when people talk about the most exciting Hawks players of recent years.

If you’re new to the city and trying to understand why people talk about him, think of Collins as one of the central players of a recent Hawks chapter, especially memorable for his connection with Trae Young and for high-energy plays that filled highlight reels.

Tips for Enjoying Hawks Basketball in Atlanta Today

If your interest in “Atlanta Hawks John Collins” is part of a broader desire to get into Hawks basketball while you’re in the city, here are some practical ways to plug in:

1. Attend a Game in Person 🏀

• Look for games featuring strong frontcourt matchups or visiting teams with former Hawks players.
• Arrive early to watch warm-ups and get a better feel for how the team operates without Collins and how new players fill that role.

2. Explore the Surrounding Area

Before or after a game at State Farm Arena, many Atlanta residents enjoy:

• Walking through the Centennial Olympic Park area
• Visiting nearby attractions like the College Football Hall of Fame or the Georgia World Congress Center (depending on event schedules)

This can turn a simple interest in the Hawks—and players like Collins—into a broader day or evening in downtown Atlanta.

3. Connect with Local Basketball Culture

If Collins’ high-flying style inspired you, Atlanta offers many ways to stay engaged with the game:

• Local courts and recreation centers across the city, where pick-up runs are common
• High school and college basketball in the metro area, which often feature players trying to follow paths similar to NBA pros who have come through Atlanta

Quick Reference: John Collins and the Atlanta Hawks

For anyone in Atlanta trying to understand “Atlanta Hawks John Collins,” the essential point is this: he was a major piece of the Hawks’ recent history, helped shape the on-court identity fans enjoy today, and remains a familiar name you’ll still hear when basketball is the topic anywhere from State Farm Arena to local conversations around the city.