As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Detroit Pistons have made significant adjustments to their roster, particularly in their starting lineup. Last season, the Pistons had established a solid five-man unit consisting of Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren. However, the offseason brought a major change when Harris signed with the San Antonio Spurs, creating an opportunity for the Pistons to strengthen their team.
In response to Harris's departure, Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon executed a sign-and-trade deal to acquire John Collins from the Los Angeles Clippers. This move aims to fill the gap left in Detroit's lineup, and Cade Cunningham has already expressed his enthusiasm for Collins, highlighting the new power forward's versatility on the court.
John Collins, now 28 years old, had a solid season with the Clippers, starting 56 games. However, he often found himself overshadowed by the star power of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who were the focal points of the team's offensive strategy. As a result, Collins played a supportive role, focusing on facilitating plays for his more prominent teammates.
Despite this, Collins showcased his potential in a standout performance against the Pistons on January 10, where he scored a season-high 25 points, shooting an impressive 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. His contributions also included seven rebounds, four steals, and four blocks, helping the Clippers secure a 98-92 victory in Detroit. This game highlighted Collins's ability to perform under pressure and his skill set that the Pistons hope to utilize effectively.
Ty Lue, the head coach of the Clippers, praised Collins following that game, noting his improvements on both ends of the floor. Lue credited assistant coach Jeremy Castleberry for working closely with Collins, helping him enhance his defensive skills and overall game. Lue remarked, "I think he’s been great... Offensively, we knew he could shoot the basketball, just took some time for him to get comfortable." He emphasized Collins's growth in offensive rebounding, put-backs, and shooting from long range, particularly over the last stretch of games.
With Collins joining the Pistons, he is expected to step into a prominent role at the power forward position, where he faces limited competition. His ability to shoot three-pointers at a 40% rate last season will be crucial for the Pistons, as it will help space the floor and create driving lanes for stars like Cunningham and Duren. Unlike Harris, who often operated in the mid-range, Collins brings a dynamic scoring threat that can stretch defenses and open up the paint.
Moreover, Collins's athleticism and ability to finish at the rim make him a significant lob threat, which should enhance the Pistons' offensive options. As the team looks to build on last season's foundation, Collins's addition could prove pivotal in their quest for improvement in the upcoming season.
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