John Collins Gives Detroit Pistons New Offensive Option

Detroit's offense will feature a different approach at power forward this season, with John Collins joining the Pistons to provide perimeter shooting, athletic finishing and support for Cade Cunningham. Acquired during the offseason to replace Tobias Harris, Collins enters his first campaign with Detroit after averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 regular season.

According to CBS Sports, Collins signed a three-year contract with Detroit on July 1. The veteran forward averaged 27.1 minutes per game last season, shot 55.2% from the field and recorded 1.0 assists and 0.9 steals per game.

His arrival addresses Detroit's need for reliable outside shooting. The Pistons converted 35.6% of their three-point attempts as a team last season, while Collins shot nearly 41% from beyond the arc, according to Sports Illustrated.

Collins also offers an athletic target for lobs and a natural fit in pick-and-roll actions. Cunningham averaged 10 assists per game last season, and Collins' ability to finish near the basket gives Detroit's primary playmaker another option alongside Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson.

Collins demonstrated his scoring efficiency throughout the preseason. He recorded 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting against the Phoenix Suns, then finished with 11 points, three rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes during a 128-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to RotoWire.

In Detroit's preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors, Collins added 12 points, eight rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes during a 129-125 win, CBS Sports reported. He made 4 of 7 field-goal attempts, including 1 of 3 from three-point range, and converted 3 of 4 free throws.

His production reflects a role built around efficient finishing rather than creating shots independently. Sports Illustrated reported that Collins scored in double figures in three of Detroit's four preseason games, demonstrating how he can contribute without dominating possession.

That approach marks a change from Harris, who frequently created his own opportunities in the post and served as an option when Detroit's offense stalled late in the shot clock. According to Pistons Powered, Collins relies more heavily on cuts, outside shooting, passes from teammates and offensive rebounds.

The distinction could affect Detroit's offensive flexibility against well-prepared defenses. Collins is less suited to the isolation possessions Harris handled, making the development of other shot creators important to the team's plans.

However, Collins' shooting and off-ball movement could create more room for Cunningham and Detroit's other offensive contributors. Pistons Powered also noted that Collins' size could allow him to play limited minutes at small-ball center, providing another option for different matchups.

Collins showed signs of improved efficiency late last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. RotoWire reported that he averaged 14.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 three-pointers per game while shooting 58.1% from the field and 45.2% from three-point range over his final 38 regular-season appearances beginning January 1.

Detroit's regular-season opener against the Boston Celtics presents an early test of how Collins' shooting and interior finishing fit into the team's offense. His supporting role is expected to complement Cunningham's playmaking rather than replicate the self-created scoring opportunities Harris provided.