One of the most exciting parts of the Detroit Pistons' 2026-27 season is adding veteran John Collins. Detroit agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the 29-year-old forward during free agency this offseason.

Collins enters his tenth season in the NBA with high expectations from the Pistons. Detroit will be his fourth team after finishing last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Collins seems to be looking forward to becoming a new member of the Pistons based on his energy at training camp on Tuesday. He confirmed there was interest on both sides in getting a deal done to bring him to Detroit.

“It was definitely a mutual agreement and energy coming from both ways. You know, obviously, you have a great group here with guys like Cade (Cunningham). When I got that call from Trajan (Langdon), I was delighted to hear from him,” Collins explained after practice to the media. “I saw that you guys were trying to do something that I agree with in my soul. It kind of came together pretty fast, but to me, that's a good sign.”

The Pistons will likely use Collins as a starter at the power forward position. If this plan pans out, he will be replacing veteran forward Tobias Harris. Harris spent the last two seasons in Detroit as a productive veteran stretch-forward who also had a strength of scoring from the post.

Article Continues Below

Adding more shooting was a major priority for the Pistons this offseason. Collins is also a valuable floor spacer at his position as a big threat from 3-point range. He averaged 41% from beyond the arc last season on about three attempts per game. Detroit was able to add Collins and other 40% 3-point shooters with players like Isaiah Joe and Taurean Prince. They will add to the secondary shooting crop, joining guard Duncan Robinson. Having that many shooters complemented with better ball-handling and playmaking should help Detroit quite a bit offensively.

Collins played 56 of his 69 games last season as a starter with the Clippers. He was comfortable playing with their second unit as a spot-up shooter and play finisher. The Pistons are hopeful that Collins can help spread the floor and add an athletic dynamic offensively and defensively. Collins is also an impressive athlete who can move and finish well in transition for the Pistons, which is a big part of Detroit's offensive identity.

He already seems up for the task as a veteran voice for Detroit. His outgoing personality has been a point of emphasis throughout training camp. Collins also shared a good deal of respect for the franchise's championship history and even revealed his his all-time favorite Pistons.

“It's probably a toss-up between Rasheed Wallace and Isiah Thomas,” Collins explained. “I had a chance to talk to Zeke in Atlanta. He was always in Turner Studios down in Atlanta. My first time down there, he put me on game, giving me words of wisdom. Ever since then, we've been great. So, shout-out to those two.”