John Collins might be forced to play some small-ball center, which is something he's never really been asked to do. Collins played a little bit of small-ball center very early in his career, but even then, he was primarily a power forward. But based on the way the Pistons roster is shaping up, Collins might have to play some five.
With how poorly the Jalen Duren situation seems to be going, the Pistons are going to be left with very little center depth. Because of that, the Pistons might have to test out some different lineups, including lineups with Collins at the center spot. It's certainly not ideal, but it might just have to happen.
Duren will probably end up back in Detroit by the time the season starts, but even if he does, the Pistons' center depth won't be amazing. So, at best, Collins plays a little bit of center. But at worst, he might play a lot.
Pistons could be forced to play John Collins at the five
Collins has never been the best defender. That's been the biggest thing holding him back throughout the courses and be a career, no matter what position he's playing on the floor.
When he's at the power forward spot, he's not the best at keeping up with players. He'll often get blown by by more skilled forwards and switched onto smaller guards in the pick-and-roll.
Then, when he's at the center spot, he'll get bullied in the paint a little bit. He'll get pushed around and is commonly unable to guard some of the bigger centers in the NBA.
But as mentioned, the Pistons have a dearth of Center depth on the roster. Right now, even if Duren does end up going back, their only real backup option is Paul Reed.
Detroit also has Ugonna Onyenso and Isaac Jones on two-way contracts, but those guys don't really have enough NBA experience to bank on if the Pistons were to ask them to play significant minutes.
So, that leaves Collins. The Pistons could end up experimenting with Collins as a small-ball center option. Which, in some ways, could work a little bit.
Collins is a solid three-point shooter, so having him at the five would space the floor a bit more for the Pistons. The real concerns are just on the defensive end, as previously mentioned.
It's certainly not a great situation for the Pistons to have to deal with, but it's one that they are stuck with. So you might see Collins playing some center minutes more often than you expect next season.
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