Hawks sign veteran center Jason Collins
The Hawks signed veteran center Jason Collins on Wednesday, fortifying their frontcourt rotation with another big man a week after signing Joe Smith to a one-year deal.
Like Smith, Collins, an eight-year veteran, signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum. He gives the Hawks 12 players under contract for the coming season.
“Atlanta has been a great team the past couple of years,” Collins said. “I’m just glad to be a part of an organization and part of a playoff team. There’s a great front office in place, a great coaching staff, a great city and great community. I’m looking forward to being part of all that.”
Collins spent his first six and half seasons in the NBA in New Jersey, playing on Nets teams that made back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals. He finished the 2007-08 season in Memphis and played last season in Minnesota.
His size (7-foot, 255 pounds) and championship experience made him an ideal target for the Hawks, who have spent the past two years trying to upgrade their depth in the frontcourt.
“Jason provides us with additional size and a good interior defensive presence,” Hawks general manager Rick Sund said in a statement released by the team. “He has extensive experience, having started in two NBA Finals with the Nets, and is another player with strong character and leadership qualities.”
Collins has started 429 games, with averages of 4.2 points and 4.3 rebounds. He also has played in 75 playoff games — and with young teammates Josh Smith and Al Horford, he can add the role of mentor to his extensive resume.
“I think that’s the role of any good veteran player,” Collins said. “You have to help the young guys. I tried to do that in Minnesota last year, challenging Al Jefferson every day in practice.
“When I came into the league in New Jersey, I had Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning, Kenyon [Martin] and Aaron Williams all looking out for me. I learned a lot from those guys. And now I’m in that role.”
