Jazz F John Collins Sounds Off on Posterizing Bismack Biyombo

Newly acquired Utah Jazz forward John Collins had something to say after making a big play vs. the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Utah Jazz had plenty to discuss after their 127-121 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. One of the most sensational moments was John Collins posterizing Bismack Biyombo on an alley-oop dunk thanks to an assist from Keyonte George. 

Collins sounded off on the exchange as he watched what transpired in the locker room after the game.

“Oh my gosh,” Collins said. "Yeah, you know. Shout-outs to my boy, 'rook.' Keyonte in the building. Another one to the collection.”

woke up, still thinkin’ about this one 🤭#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/HyYuTjsGee

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 11, 2023

Collins has been solid in his first nine games as a Jazzman, averaging 15 ppg while hauling eight rebounds per contest. Most importantly, he’s shooting 42.9% from long distance and 54.4% from the field.

It may be a small sample size, but it’s reassuring that his shooting woes with the Atlanta Hawks could be a thing of the past. Last season, Collins shot only 29.2% from three-point range and hasn’t been over 40% since the 2019-20 season. His shooting numbers are something to keep an eye on moving forward. 

A power forward that can stretch the floor will be critical when starting center Walker Kessler returns from the elbow injury he sustained on opening night vs. the Sacramento Kings. Also, Collins appears more comfortable with his new teammates since head coach Will Hardy reshuffled his starting lineup. 

Ochai Agbaji and Keyonte George replaced Kessler and Talen Horton-Tucker in the lineup on Wednesday vs. the Indiana Pacers. The change has helped Utah's spacing and ball movement in offensive half-court sets. With Kessler projected to return in two weeks, one has to wonder whether Agbaji will remain a starter.

Having a starting frontcourt of Collins, Agbaji, and Lauri Markkaen makes Utah more versatile offensively and defensively. Before the change, Hardy would substitute Kessler between the seven and eight-minute mark of the first quarter. 

Utah has had issues getting into a rhythm with Hardy’s initial rotation. Sacrificing some rim protection to begin the game for more continuity may be the best option.

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