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

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.

Who Is John Collins?

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:

• Position: Primarily power forward
• Style of play: Above-the-rim finisher, lob threat, strong rebounder, capable shooter
• Personality: Generally viewed as hardworking, team-oriented, and fan-friendly

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.

John Collins’ Time With the Atlanta Hawks

Drafted to Atlanta

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:

• A new young face for the franchise
• Exciting, high-energy play that made home games at State Farm Arena more dynamic
• A player who grew alongside other key Hawks, including Trae Young

Role on the Team

During his seasons in Atlanta, Collins was often viewed as:

• A top scoring option in the frontcourt
• A key pick‑and‑roll partner for Trae Young, especially on alley-oops
• A core part of the Hawks’ playoff push, particularly during the memorable run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021

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.

John Collins and the City of Atlanta

Even though NBA rosters change over time, certain players leave a deeper impression on a city. In Atlanta, Collins built that kind of connection.

Impact on Hawks Culture

For several years, the combination of:

• Collins’ athletic style,
• His chemistry with Trae Young, and
• His role in the team’s improvement

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.

Visibility Around Town

While players’ personal schedules are private, Hawks players, including Collins during his time here, have often been involved in:

• Community events organized by the team
• Youth basketball clinics and local appearances
• Occasional features in local media talking about Atlanta life, the fanbase, and the city’s energy

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.

Where the Hawks Play: State Farm Arena Details

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

• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Location: In the heart of downtown, next to CNN Center and near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Access:
  • MARTA rail station: GWCC/CNN Center Station (West Line)
  • Parking garages and surface lots nearby

At the arena, fans can:

• Watch the current Hawks team that Collins once starred for
• See in‑arena video features that may occasionally show historic highlights, including plays from past seasons
• Experience the same environment where Collins delivered many of his memorable performances

How John Collins Fits Into Recent Hawks History

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.

Key Phases During Collins’ Hawks Years

Here’s a simple breakdown of how Atlanta fans commonly remember his time:

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.

Watching John Collins Today (From Atlanta)

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:

• Television:
  • Regular season and national games can appear on standard sports channels, depending on scheduling.
• Sports Bars and Restaurants:
  • Popular downtown and Midtown sports spots often show multiple NBA games on big screens.
  • Areas like Atlantic Station, Buckhead, and Old Fourth Ward commonly have venues where fans watch out-of-market NBA games.

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.

Tips for New Hawks Fans in Atlanta Curious About John Collins

If you’re just getting into the Hawks and keep hearing his name, here are some simple ways to learn more and feel connected:

• Watch classic Hawks highlights: Many televised recaps and team-produced features still show Collins’ dunks and playoff moments.
• Attend a Hawks game: You’ll get a feel for the style of basketball that Collins helped shape—a fast, offensive-minded team with a strong fan atmosphere.
• Talk with longtime fans: Atlantans who followed the team through the late 2010s and early 2020s can give personal perspectives on how Collins impacted the team’s identity.

Why “John Collins Atlanta Hawks” Still Matters to Atlanta

Even though rosters evolve, John Collins remains a significant part of recent Atlanta Hawks history. For locals and visitors:

• He represents a turning point era when the Hawks moved from rebuilding to competing.
• His style of play helped make Hawks games in downtown Atlanta more exciting and nationally relevant.
• His partnership with other core players is still referenced when people talk about what the team has been—and where it might go next.

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.