John Collins...Our Third Star

[KillerLeft]

3.  Is a significant upgrade from Maxi who can play next to KP or next to Powell/WCS because of his diverse skills

I think this is probably true, but...Collins is not great, defensively. Probably not as good as Powell on that end, imo. I think the fit with Kleber could be ok, but I think a Powell/Collins combo would be pretty unsuccessful, despite the fact that Collins can shoot. I could be wrong, but I just see that combo being atrocious on defense. 

4.  Allows KP to play his preferred C position and still keep a second big on the floor

So, I think the fit would be almost EXACTLY the same as the KP/Powell fit. When they play together right now, KP is the 4 on offense and the 5 on defense, with the opposite being true for Powell. (I know everyone already knows this - just resetting to be clear). Personally, I don't think Collins solves the issue with KP's opinion, because my guess is that he would be used here in exactly the same way as Powell. Now, since Collins can shoot, maybe the KP/Collins tandem provides for a little bit of variety in how they're used, like maybe they flip roles a bit more often, but on the other hand, Collins will always be the better screener of the two, just like Powell, and the better roller of the two, just like Powell. My guess is that the offense will look very similar to the way it does now, only without those wide-open Powell pump fakes.

EDIT: as I read through this thread, I'm noticing some people whose opinions I respect claim that Collins is a solid defender. That was NOT my conclusion when I studied him a while back, but maybe I came to the wrong conclusion, or maybe he has improved this year. Personally, I'm a little worried about him on that end. Not enough to pass, just enough to keep my eyes open.