Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The 33-year-old Collins, a veteran of 11 NBA seasons, gives Boston a defensive-minded big man who can give quality minutes off the bench. Collins’ offensive game is much-maligned and, for his career, he’s averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. In 30 regular-season games with the Hawks last season, he scored a mere 39 points, but was a pest against the Celtics in the teams’ first-round series because of his defense (and occasional offensive burst).
Collins allowed a mere 0.748 points per play last season, ranking in the 88th percentile among all NBA players, according to Synergy Sports data. He’s stout in the post and can defend the pick-and-roll. Able to match up with players of all shapes and sizes, Collins has the potential to thrive in Boston the way Stiemsma did when he settled into the team’s defensive system, though Collins is not as much of a shot-blocker or rebounder.
Collins also owns 95 games’ worth of playoff experience during his time with New Jersey and Atlanta.
The Celtics will pay $854,389, while the league will pick up the rest of his $1.35 million salary as a veteran with 10-plus years of experience. For Boston, it’s an economical way to fill out the roster while adding a much-needed big man.
You may remember Jason Collins from the Celtics 1st round series vs Atlanta. He played well in the Hawks Game 1 win. I used the term “manhandled” when describing his play vs KG.
Collins is a big body who will defend and cash out his 6 fouls. Nothing more. Here’s a snippet of Hollinger’s scouting report, via ESPN Insider:
+ Elite low-post defender who stymies big centers with size and smarts.
+ Physical. Great at drawing offensive fouls. Awful rebounder. Ponderously slow.
+ Horrid finisher. No handle or post game. Will occasionally make 12-footer.
A specialist par excellence, Collins may be the most matchup-dependent player in basketball. Against Orlando’s Dwight Howard, Collins is worth his weight in gold, because nobody defends Howard better.
He’ll be behind Chris Wilcox and ahead of Fab Melo on the depth chart.
The rest of the links:
Herald – Stiemsma cries T-wolf | CSNNE – Celtics suffer last second loss to Bucks in Vegas | ESPN Boston – Rondo encourages C’s in Vegas
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