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LAIE, Hawaii — A medical wrap still covers the base of John Collins' right ring finger — an outward reminder of the injury that led to his career-low shooting season last year.
That's not the only scar from his time in Atlanta.
"I'll tell you the one thing that has surprised me is the lack of ego here; it's refreshing," Collins said. "To have a group of guys that truly emphasize playing team basketball and want to do so, it's nice for me to see and exciting for me to be around. It helps me wake up in the morning motivated to go play."
That less-than-subtle jab at his old team — the organization he spent six seasons with, which included a run to the Eastern Conference Finals — wasn't the first time Collins has been outspoken about the Hawks. Last spring, in an interview with The Athletic, he referred to the whole season as a "soap opera" and lamented over how no one ever asks him about basketball, but instead about "the show".
While Collins insists there are no ill feelings toward his old club, there's a sense of renewal being in Salt Lake City, especially due to how he sees himself working within Will Hardy's offense.
"Coach Will emphasizes a different way to basketball here," Collins said. "'I'm just excited. With the way that I move and the energy that I play with on the court, I feel like it will be rewarded in the best way."
Collins has seen his role change throughout his young career. He was once a 20-point scorer on a burgeoning Eastern Conference contender, and an apparent franchise cornerstone. He signed a long-term deal, and openly expressed how he wanted to spend his entire career in Atlanta. Last season, amid an injury-fueled career-low 29% shooting from deep and a change in coaches, he became less and less involved in the Hawks' attack.
"I tried to do everything I could to continue to stay effective and productive, and sometimes things just don't work out for whatever reason," he said. "I felt like I was doing a good job, but when your usage rate drops lower than it was in your rookie year, I mean, that tells me a lot."
The constant trade rumors told him plenty, too.
Now in Utah, Collins believes his previous production can return. His finger is less of an issue, and he thinks he'll have more space to operate in Hardy's offense. When asked if his 3-point numbers can return to form, he was extremely direct: "Damn right it can."
As for how the versatile forward will fit into the Jazz's already stout front court, that's still a work in progress.
"He doesn't know what his role is; I don't know what his role is yet — we're still gonna try to figure that out," Hardy said. "I think he's an incredibly talented player. I think he's got really good instincts on the court, but we're going to have to sort of free him up and adjust him into our style."
Collins said he's never played with bigs that are as versatile and skilled as the group in Utah; and he's eager to see what he, Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk can do together.
"The spacing, our height, our versatility is exciting to me," Collins said. "We haven't had too much of a chance to get it done, but that's what training camp is for. I'm just excited."
