LA Clippers player was forced to leave Western Conference team after being ‘too productive’, claims ESPN expert

Tim MacMahon says becoming ‘too productive’ led to Utah Jazz trading John Collins

Despite averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, the Jazz decided to part ways with Collins.

Considering he was putting up excellent numbers, the move comes as a shock, but MacMahon proposed a logical reason behind the move.

“The problem with John Collins in Utah was he was too damn productive last season. I don’t even remember all the injuries they came up with to make sure he didn’t play,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective podcast.

“They limited him to 40 games last year. He played less than half the schedule, but he played in 70-plus percent of their wins. They didn’t win a lot, but they won too often with John Collins in the lineup.

“He was a reason. They had to get rid of him. They couldn’t have him on the roster,” MacMahon added.

Usually, contributing to wins is considered a positive trait for any NBA player. However, that’s not the case when the organization is trying to tank.

Since the Jazz are indeed trying to rebuild their roster through lottery picks, winning too many games could have hindered their progress.

John Collins’ potential role with the LA Clippers

If the Jazz are trying to tank, the Clippers are on the complete opposite end of the spectrum – trying to win an NBA Championship.

Keeping that in mind, Collins’ arrival can certainly boost the Clippers’ chances of coming out of the loaded Western Conference.

But as far as his role is concerned, Collins may have to come off the bench for the Clippers. After all, the team has Leonard as their starting power forward.

As a result, Collins will likely lead the second unit when Kawhi’s on the bench. In case the Klaw gets injured or misses games, that’s when Collins could earn a starting role under head coach Tyronn Lue.