ESPN Names John Collins the Pistons’ Biggest X-Factor

ESPN has named John Collins as the Detroit Pistons' biggest X-factor for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. The Pistons inked Collins to a three-year, $51 million contract last offseason, with an annual salary of $17 million. Collins, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, is poised to make a significant impact in Detroit following the departure of Tobias Harris, who signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

During the 2024-25 season, Collins averaged 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game in 69 games. Standing at 28 years old, Collins is expected to take over a starting role at power forward for the Pistons. ESPN analyst Zach Kram highlighted Collins' potential to be the X-factor for Detroit, stating that the team made meaningful changes to its rotation in the offseason, with Collins replacing Harris.

While Collins may not be on Harris' level as a one-on-one scorer or team defender, he has several advantages due to his youth, athleticism, and impressive three-point shooting (40% over the last two seasons). Collins' shooting percentages last season were exceptional, with a 55.2% field goal percentage, 40.6% from three-point range, and a remarkable 76.6% free throw shooting rate.

Although Collins hasn't reached the playoffs in the past three seasons, he has the potential to bring a new dynamic element to the Pistons' team, which needs a reliable second scoring option. With Cade Cunningham relying on an added scoring contributor, Collins' performance will be crucial for Detroit to reach its 60-22 record from the previous season.