If you live in Atlanta, spend time around State Farm Arena, or just follow the Atlanta Hawks, the name John Collins is probably very familiar. For several seasons, Collins was one of the most recognizable players on the team—an explosive forward known for high-flying dunks, energy, and a strong connection with Hawks fans.
This guide walks through who John Collins is, his time with the Atlanta Hawks, why he mattered so much to the city’s basketball culture, and how Atlantans can still feel his legacy today—even though he now plays elsewhere.
John Collins is a professional basketball player who entered the NBA in 2017 and quickly became a major piece of the Atlanta Hawks’ core.
Key points about Collins for Atlanta fans:
Collins played the early, formative years of his career in Atlanta, growing from a promising young big man into one of the more popular players in the city’s recent NBA history.
Collins was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2017 NBA Draft. For local fans, that moment marked the beginning of a new era, as the team was rebuilding and looking for young talent to build around.
From the perspective of someone in Atlanta, Collins’ arrival meant:
During his seasons in Atlanta, Collins was often viewed as:
For fans attending games in downtown Atlanta, Collins’ dunks, put-back slams, and hustle plays were some of the most crowd-pleasing moments of the night.
Even though NBA rosters change over time, certain players leave a deeper impression on a city. In Atlanta, Collins built that kind of connection.
For several years, the combination of:
helped re‑energize interest in the Hawks among Atlanta residents and visitors.
If you were spending evenings at State Farm Arena or watching games from neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur, Collins was a regular presence on your screen—often in highlight reels and social media clips.
While players’ personal schedules are private, Hawks players, including Collins during his time here, have often been involved in:
For locals, that helped Collin feel not just like a player on the roster, but part of the broader Atlanta sports community, alongside the Falcons, Braves, and Atlanta United.
If you’re in Atlanta and want to connect with the Hawks legacy that John Collins helped shape, the key place to start is State Farm Arena, the team’s home court during his tenure.
State Farm Arena
At the arena, fans can:
To understand why so many people in Atlanta still search for “John Collins Atlanta Hawks,” it helps to place him in the broader timeline of the team.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how Atlanta fans commonly remember his time:
| Phase | What It Meant for Atlanta Fans |
|---|---|
| Early Seasons (Post‑Draft) | A young, athletic big man offering hope during a rebuild |
| Rise With Trae Young | Collins + Young became a marquee duo for Hawks fans |
| Playoff Push & Deep Run | Important starter on a team that brought playoff buzz to Atlanta |
| Later Seasons | Established veteran presence amid roster changes |
For Atlantans, especially those who started following the team more closely around 2018–2021, Collins is often associated with the Hawks becoming relevant again on a national stage.
Even though Collins no longer plays for the Hawks, many Atlanta fans still follow his career.
If you’re in Atlanta and want to watch him:
If Collins’ current team visits Atlanta to play the Hawks, you can catch him in person at State Farm Arena, usually once or twice a season depending on the schedule.
If you’re just getting into the Hawks and keep hearing his name, here are some simple ways to learn more and feel connected:
Even though rosters evolve, John Collins remains a significant part of recent Atlanta Hawks history. For locals and visitors:
So, when you see the phrase “John Collins Atlanta Hawks”, think of it as shorthand for a memorable chapter in Atlanta basketball: high-flying dunks at State Farm Arena, packed crowds downtown, and a team that reminded the city how fun NBA basketball can be.
