The Pistons are hoping for a big year out of John Collins to vault them into contender status. His effectiveness will be a major swing factor in Detroit’s offense this season, but he’s always come with a warning label as a poor creator.
Collins’ creation weakness is an especially big contrast with former starting power forward Tobias Harris, who was often a late-clock safety blanket thanks to his self-creation. Through two preseason games, Collins has shown a very different play style that will need a different set of fan expectations.
The Pistons and Collins know his role
Fortunately, Collins’ game shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone in the Pistons organization. He was always meant to come in as a supporting piece rather than being a focal point. What Collins lacks in creation, he should make up in off-ball scoring through his 3-point shot and cutting.
Swapping out Harris for Collins should give the Pistons a chance to see how much their other players can shoulder a bigger creation load. The improved 3-point shooting from Collins also doesn’t hurt, since the Pistons are generally so starved for shooting. Ideally, Collins will use his off ball prowess to make creation easier for players like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson.
He’s also got more size than Harris, so he could even moonlight as a small ball center for limited minutes. Considering the Pistons’ weaker depth at that position this season, having Collins as a potential substitute could be a valuable wrinkle. In general, it also gives them another look to throw into tactical matchups.
Collins can’t be the same as Harris
But in the meantime, Pistons fans could see a jarring effect of their power forward scoring strictly off of passes. Last season, Detroit often turned to Harris for a desperate post isolation when all other options dried up, especially in the playoffs. Collins won’t be as effective in the same spots.
If other Pistons don't take a leap as shot creators, Collins' addition will hurt. Through two preseason games, nearly all his shot attempts have come off potential assists or offensive rebounds. That's great for lifting up an offense that already has other solid creators, but a weakness if no one else can make a play.
Collins also doesn't operate in the midrange nearly as much as Harris, which could take away some of the Pistons' offensive versatility against tough defenses. However, Detroit takes enough middies already between Cade and some of the bigs, so Harris' shot diet shouldn't be missed.
John Collins is already laser-focused on his job of bringing a new element to the Pistons offense. Rather than converting tough looks against prepared defenses, he'll be responsible for stretching out those defenses to make them less prepared. That's all fine and good, as long as everyone understands his game.
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