Brief Introduction of John Collins
John Martin Collins III is a prominent American professional basketball player, currently showcasing his talents as a power forward for the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his explosive athleticism and high-flying dunks, Collins has established himself as a formidable presence in the paint and a consistent scoring and rebounding threat. His journey to the NBA began at Wake Forest University, where a breakout sophomore season propelled him into the national spotlight and solidified his status as a top draft prospect. The Atlanta Hawks selected Collins with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, and he quickly became a cornerstone of their young core. During his tenure with the Hawks, he earned a reputation as a dynamic offensive player, culminating in an NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2018. Following his impactful years in Atlanta, he also played for the Utah Jazz before moving to the Clippers, continuing to evolve his game and contribute significantly to his teams.
John Collins Overview
| Full Name | John Martin Collins III |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Layton, Utah, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | John Collins Jr. (Father), Lyria Rissing-Collins (Mother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $30 million |
Early Life and Education of John Collins
John Collins was born on September 23, 1997, in Layton, Utah, to a family with a strong military background. His father, John Collins Jr., served in the Navy, and his mother, Lyria Rissing-Collins, served in the Air Force. This military upbringing meant a transient childhood for Collins, as his family moved frequently, with stints in the Virgin Islands, Guam, and Turkey. This global exposure during his formative years provided him with a unique and diverse perspective. Interestingly, due to his time living on military bases, he developed a passion for soccer and is an avid supporter of the English Premier League team, Chelsea.
Upon returning to the United States, Collins settled in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he attended Cardinal Newman High School. It was here that he truly began to focus on basketball and develop the skills that would define his career. He was a standout player for the school’s team, earning three letters and culminating his high school career with a prestigious honor. In his senior year, he was named the Florida Class 4A Player of the Year, a testament to his dominance on the court where he averaged 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His exceptional performance drew attention from numerous college programs, and on November 13, 2014, he officially committed to continuing his basketball journey at the collegiate level by signing a letter of intent to play for Wake Forest University.
John Collins’s Career
John Collins’s basketball career is a story of steady improvement and explosive growth, from a promising college player to a significant force in the NBA. His journey is marked by a remarkable sophomore surge at Wake Forest, a foundational role with the Atlanta Hawks, and subsequent moves to the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.
College Career at Wake Forest
Collins joined the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for the 2015-16 season. In his freshman year, he showed flashes of his potential, appearing in all 31 games and leading the team in field goal accuracy at 54.7%. He averaged 7.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in about 14 minutes per game.
However, it was his sophomore season (2016-17) that saw him erupt into a collegiate star. Collins became the focal point of the Demon Deacons’ offense. He led the team in both scoring and rebounding, with impressive averages of 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He also led the entire Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in field goal percentage. A particularly notable achievement during this season was his streak of 12 consecutive games scoring 20 or more points, the longest such streak by a Wake Forest player. His performance drew comparisons to Wake Forest legend Tim Duncan, as Collins became the first Demon Deacon since Duncan to score 600 points and grab 300 rebounds in a single season. His outstanding play earned him first-team All-ACC honors and the title of ACC Most Improved Player. Following this stellar season, Collins declared for the 2017 NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.
NBA Career: Atlanta Hawks (2017–2023)
The Atlanta Hawks selected John Collins with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. He made an immediate impression, earning All-Summer League First Team honors before his rookie season even began. In his first year, he averaged 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, which was strong enough to earn him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Over the next few seasons, Collins evolved into one of the league’s most efficient and exciting young big men, forming a dynamic partnership with point guard Trae Young.
His scoring average jumped to 19.5 points per game in his second season and peaked at 21.6 points per game in his third (2019-20), where he also averaged 10.1 rebounds, marking his best statistical season. Collins was a model of efficiency, often ranking among the league leaders in field goal percentage. His athleticism made him a constant lob threat and a highlight-reel dunker, earning him the nickname “John the Baptist.” He was a key player in the Hawks’ surprising run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, providing crucial scoring and rebounding. On August 6, 2021, Collins signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Hawks, solidifying his role as a core piece of the franchise’s future.
Utah Jazz (2023–2025) and Los Angeles Clippers (2025-present)
After six seasons with the Hawks, the team’s direction shifted. In June 2023, Collins was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gay and a future second-round draft pick. The move was seen as a way for Atlanta to gain financial flexibility while Utah added a proven veteran power forward to their frontcourt. In his time with the Jazz, Collins continued to be a productive player, averaging 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season. His veteran presence and offensive skills were valuable to a rebuilding Jazz team. However, his tenure in Utah was relatively short. As the 2025 season approached, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he is expected to bring his athleticism and scoring punch to a team with championship aspirations.
John Collins Personal Life & Family
John Collins’s personal life is rooted in his unique upbringing within a military family. Born to John Collins Jr., a Navy veteran, and Lyria Rissing-Collins, who served in the Air Force, his childhood was characterized by discipline and frequent relocation. This background instilled in him a strong work ethic and adaptability, traits that have served him well in his professional career. He is known to be very close to his mother, and one of the first major purchases he made after signing his rookie contract was a Range Rover for her. While he is a public figure, Collins maintains a relatively private personal life. Details regarding his romantic relationships, including any girlfriend (gf) or potential wife, are not publicly disclosed. He has not publicly confirmed being married. His focus appears to be heavily on his career and his close-knit family, who have been a constant source of support throughout his journey to the NBA. Off the court, Collins has also dedicated time to charitable endeavors, including involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics.
Awards and Achievements of John Collins
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2018)
- First-team All-ACC (2017)
- ACC Most Improved Player (2017)
- Basketball Times Second-Team All-American (2017)
- Florida Class 4A Player of the Year (2015)
John Collins Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, John Collins’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $30 million. The primary source of his wealth is his substantial NBA salary. His financial standing was significantly bolstered in August 2021 when he signed a lucrative five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks. This contract guaranteed him an average annual salary of $25 million, placing him among the well-compensated players at his position. Prior to this extension, he played under his rookie-scale contract. In addition to his on-court earnings, Collins likely supplements his income through various endorsements and partnerships, although specific details of these deals are not widely publicized. His financial trajectory remains strong as he continues his career as a key player in the NBA.
Legacy and Influence
John Collins’s legacy is that of a modern, athletic power forward whose game is defined by explosive efficiency and verticality. His influence, particularly during his time with the Atlanta Hawks, was profound. He was a central figure in the team’s rebuild, developing alongside Trae Young to form one of the most potent offensive duos in the league. Their pick-and-roll chemistry, culminating in countless “John the Baptist” alley-oop dunks, became a signature of the Hawks’ high-powered offense and helped lead the franchise to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015. Collins helped redefine the role of a modern big man, showcasing the ability to be an elite finisher at the rim while gradually extending his range to the three-point line. His career serves as a blueprint for players who experience a dramatic leap in performance at the collegiate level, proving that a single breakout season can be a springboard to NBA stardom. His reputation as a hard worker and a dynamic, high-energy player has made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for.
Interesting Facts about John Collins
- Due to his parents’ military careers, he lived in various places growing up, including the Virgin Islands, Guam, and Turkey.
- He was an avid soccer player in his youth and is a passionate fan of the English Premier League club Chelsea F.C.
- His nickname is “JC”.
- One of his first major purchases as an NBA player was buying a new Range Rover for his mother.
- He participated in the 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
- Collins was a member of the 2019 USA Basketball Men’s Select Team, which helps prepare the national team for major competitions.
Controversies
In November 2019, early in his third season with the Atlanta Hawks, John Collins was suspended for 25 games without pay by the NBA. The suspension was a result of a violation of the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. Collins tested positive for Peptide-2, a growth hormone-releasing substance. In a public statement, Collins expressed his surprise and disappointment, stating that he unknowingly ingested a supplement that contained the banned component. He apologized to his teammates, the Hawks organization, and the fans for the unintentional mistake. The suspension was a significant setback for both Collins and the Hawks during that season, but he returned to form upon its conclusion and continued to be a productive player.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – (@jcollins20_) Information on follower count is not available.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Information not disclosed.
Final Words about John Collins
From a globe-trotting childhood to becoming a force in the NBA, the John Collins biography is one of continuous growth and athletic prowess. His career, built on a foundation of hard work and a spectacular leap in performance at Wake Forest, has seen him become an integral part of multiple franchises. As a key member of the Atlanta Hawks’ memorable 2021 playoff run, he demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stages. Now with the Los Angeles Clippers, Collins has the opportunity to apply his dynamic skill set—highlighted by elite finishing and rebounding—to a team with championship ambitions. His journey underscores the impact of perseverance and development, cementing his legacy as one of the premier athletic forwards of his era. As he enters the prime of his career, John Collins continues to be a player to watch, with the potential to add even more significant chapters to his already impressive story.
