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After two strong performances in the Utah Summer League, Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins will reportedly be on the sidelines when team completes its three-game tour of duty in Salt Lake City. Michael Cunningham of the AJC brings word that the second-year “veteran” will be absent as a result of rest.
John Collins (rest) won't play tonight.
— Michael Cunningham (@MCunninghamAJC) July 6, 2018
This comes as no particular surprise, especially given how good Collins has looked to this point. In fact, it would make sense to shut him down completely from Summer League, though the Hawks plan to have the former Wake Forest star travel to Las Vegas.
In Collins’ absence, head coach Lloyd Pierce could have a deeper look at Omari Spellman and 2017 second round pick Alpha Kaba, as well as a bit more time to observe non-roster invitee Jock Landale.
Stay tuned as more information becomes available but Atlanta will be operating without its best available player against the Jazz on Thursday.