2017 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round

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Jan 18, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) reacts to a score in the second half against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Wake defeated Miami 96-79. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Atlanta Hawks – John Collins, F/C, Wake Forest

I actually like this pick for the Atlanta Hawks. Mostly because they lost Dwight Howard in a trade earlier this week, but gain an athletic big a couple days later. John Collins was a double-double guy during his sophomore year at Wake Forest.

Averaging 19 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game at Wake, Collins will be asked to come in and play a role off the bench most likely. Perhaps the best attribute for Collins is the fact that he played two years in college, and is still only 19 years old.

Collins is young, athletic and has a high ceiling. The only question in his game will be his ability to stretch the floor. He’ll need to.

Grade: B-