Why John Collins Gives the San Antonio Spurs Reason to Be Excited

At media day, John Collins of the Utah Jazz hinted at a bright future for the San Antonio Spurs.

October 2nd was a busy day for the NBA, and the San Antonio Spurs were no exception. Around the league, teams hosted media day, and the Spurs were no exception. With notable appearances from Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Coach Pop, and Victor Wembanyama, it was somehow John Collins of the Utah Jazz who stole the show.

Collins was traded to the Jazz from the Atlanta Hawks earlier this season. Previously, Collins was the discussion of many trade rumors surrounding the Spurs, but he seems comfortable in Utah and hopes to impact winning there. However, he did give some insight into his time in Atlanta, alleging that there is no team mentality in the Peach State and things are driven by ego.

"I’d say the one thing that has surprised me is the lack of ego here," Collins said. "It’s refreshing to have a group of guys that truly emphasize playing team basketball and that want to do so."

This is fantastic news for Spurs fans. Last summer, the Spurs sent All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray to Atlanta. The Hawks were hoping Murray could team up with Trae Young and form one of the best young backcourts in the league. Murray so enamored the Hawks that they agreed to send a massive haul of picks to the Spurs. San Antonio owns Atlanta’s 2025 and 2027 first-round picks and can swap picks in 2026. Naturally, none of those picks are protected in any way.

Tre Jones drives against the Detroit Pistons / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

If Atlanta’s organization really is the garbage fire Collins claims that it is, then those three picks should all be within the top 20, if not in the lottery. Clearly, the Hawks gambled and lost. Usually, when a team goes all-in and fails, they at least have a few of their own picks to fall back on. Three first-round picks give the Spurs an interesting crossroads to navigate. They could just use the picks and surround their core with even more young talent, or they could package Atlanta’s future to add a star to pair with Wembanyama. Mikal Bridges or a reunion with Derrick White, perhaps? The options are endless.

The Spurs probably won’t contend for a Finals berth this season, but as things start to turn around in San Antonio, the Hawks will come to a grinding halt just in time for the Spurs to overhaul and start their second dynasty.