John Collins, Clippers
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John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz is guarded by Norman Powell #24 of the LA Clippers during a 144-107 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on December 16, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
John Collins begins a new chapter of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Clippers, last playing for the Utah Jazz. As a result, this calls for the jersey number the athletic forward will don this upcoming season.
Collins spent the first six seasons of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, who selected him with the 19th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. However, Atlanta sent him to Utah in exchange for Rudy Gay and draft compensation during the 2023 offseason.
Collins maintained his solid production in the two seasons he represented the Jazz. He averaged 16.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game after 108 total appearances. He shot 53% from the field, including 38.2% from beyond the arc, and 81.9% from the free-throw line.
Entering his ninth season, Collins wore No. 20 throughout his time with the Hawks and Jazz. And from the looks of it, that will continue to be the case when he starts the 2025-26 season with the Clippers, per Etienne Catalan.
“John Collins (@jcollins20_) will wear No. 20 for the #Clippers. Number last worn by Justise Winslow in 2022,” Catalan said.
John Collins (@jcollins20_) will wear No. 20 for the #Clippers. Number last worn by Justise Winslow in 2022. #NBA pic.twitter.com/h5BBZoPKAT
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) August 9, 2025
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What’s Next For John Collins, Clippers
John Collins, Clippers
GettyKevin Porter Jr. #77 of the LA Clippers dribbles up court in front of John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz during a 144-107 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on December 16, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
At age 27, John Collins provides valuable experience in the frontcourt for the Clippers. His playoff experience with the Hawks, especially during their East Finals run in 2021, is a major example of what Los Angeles was looking for to bolster that area of the roster.
The Clippers did their due diligence in making addition to the squad this offseason. They signed veteran players to bolster their core, namely Brook Lopez, Chris Paul, and Bradley Beal. As for Collins, they acquired him from the Jazz in a three-team deal with the Miami Heat. Because of that, they moved on from Norman Powell, who was one of their leading scorers last season.
Los Angeles currently has the oldest roster in the NBA, and one of the oldest in league history. Eight of the 17 listed players are 30 and older, with five being 34 or older.
This indicates that the Clippers are taking a win-now approach, showing the determination to compete for the 2026 NBA title. With veteran stars Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Chris Paul, and Bradley Beal wanting another shot at the throne, they will want to make the most of it before time runs out for each of them.
Los Angeles finished with a 50-32 record last season, finishing with the fifth spot of the Western Conference standings. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t enough as they lost to the Denver Nuggets in a competitive seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs.
The Clippers have proven they can remain a threat as long as Leonard and Harden are on the court together. And with their additions this summer, the squad intends on being a serious contender once the season goes underway.
As for Collins, he will look to provide a huge impact on both sides of the ball. He can be a lob threat on offense while showcasing his athleticism and versatility on defense. This can elevate the Clippers’ quality as a whole, especially if he lands the starting spot at power forward.