Atlanta Hawks: John Collins suspension could cost the team a playoff spot

Losing John Collins for 25 games, due to suspension, could spell the end to the playoff chances for the Atlanta Hawks

Heading into the 2019-20 NBA season, many labeled the Atlanta Hawks as a potential dark horse to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. While most of that was due to the explosive rookie season from Trae Young, along with the additions the team made during the summer, another integral part of this team’s potential success this season fell on the shoulders of John Collins.

And to start the season, Collins lived up to those expectations. Through the first five games of the season, Collins averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per game while shooting 53 percent from the field and 47 percent from 3-point range.

Unfortunately, if the Hawks are going to make the playoff push that many expect them to, they’re going to have to do it without Collins for 25 games. Collins was officially suspended by the NBA after testing positive for a growth hormone.

As the second-best player on the roster, this is a massive hit to the team’s outlook this season. Assuming that he serves the entire 25-game suspension – Collins is reportedly interested in appealing – he won’t return to the team until the end of December.

In his absence, the team will need to rely on a lot of Young, who is expected to return after suffering an ankle sprain last week, and a few of their other young players to step up in a big way.

One specific player that will see his opportunities rise is Jabari Parker, who is actually an interesting player for this specific situation. Parker has very much had an up-and-down start to his career thus far but has flashed the potential, along the way, to be a difference-maker in this league.

Consistency and health are the two things that have stood in the way of Parker being a real contributor throughout his career. This could be an ideal spot for Parker to really star and help. The Young will need a consistent second contributor, and it would be quite the story if Parker answered the call over the next few weeks.

Still, losing John Collins for the next 25 games will certainly hurt the Hawks – even if one of their young players steps up. No one is going to single-handedly fill the void that Collins will leave. No matter how you frame it, this has to be seen as a massive hit to the Hawks’ chances of sneaking into the playoffs in the Eastern Conference this season.

Wilson Chandler and Deandre Ayton were also suspended by the NBA earlier this season for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.