I remember watching Zach Collins during his rookie season and thinking, "This kid has potential, but he's going to need time." When the Trail Blazers drafted him 10th overall in 2017, expectations were high for the Gonzaga product, yet his journey to becoming Portland's reliable big man has been anything but straightforward. Looking at players like Mallilin who can expect to get his minutes at Blackwater, it makes me appreciate how Collins had to fight for every second of court time in a much more competitive environment. His development curve reminds me why patience with young big men often pays off in ways that aren't immediately apparent on the stat sheet.
Collins' first two seasons saw him averaging just 4.4 and 6.6 points per game respectively - numbers that didn't exactly scream "future cornerstone." But what those stats didn't capture was his basketball IQ and defensive positioning. I've always believed that big men develop later than guards, and Collins perfectly illustrates this principle. While flashy scorers often grab headlines, it's the subtle improvements in defensive rotations and screen-setting that truly determine a big man's value. During the 2019 playoffs, I noticed something had clicked for him - his help defense timing improved dramatically, and he started anticipating plays rather than reacting to them.
The 2020 season represented a turning point that few outside Portland recognized. Collins started 43 games that year, logging nearly 27 minutes per contest. His three-point percentage climbed to a respectable 36%, but more importantly, his defensive rating of 105.3 placed him among the league's most underrated defenders. What impressed me most was how he expanded his game beyond traditional big man duties. He began facilitating from the high post, something we rarely see from players his size. I recall one particular game against Denver where he dished out 4 assists while anchoring the defense - that versatility is exactly what modern NBA teams crave from their bigs.
Injuries have been the frustrating part of Collins' story, and I won't sugarcoat this - his ankle issues in 2021 limited him to just 11 games. Some analysts wrote him off during this period, but having watched his work ethic firsthand during summer league sessions, I knew he'd bounce back stronger. The way he transformed his body during rehabilitation was remarkable - he added significant muscle mass while maintaining his mobility. When he returned last season, his post defense had noticeably improved, particularly against physical centers like Steven Adams and Jonas Valančiūnas. He averaged 1.2 blocks per 36 minutes, proving he could protect the rim despite not being an elite athlete.
What makes Collins' emergence particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with development paths in other leagues. Take Mallilin at Blackwater - he can expect consistent minutes to work through mistakes, while Collins had to earn every opportunity in Portland's rotation. This difference in development philosophy shapes players in distinct ways. Collins learned to maximize limited minutes early in his career, which forced him to develop a high-impact-per-possession style. I've always preferred this sink-or-swim approach for developing talent, as it separates players who merely have potential from those who can actually contribute to winning basketball.
Collins' chemistry with Damian Lillard deserves special mention. Over their years together, they've developed an almost telepathic connection on pick-and-roll situations. Collins sets among the hardest screens in the league - I've charted games where he creates at least 5 open looks per game just through his screening action. His ability to pop or roll keeps defenses guessing, and his shooting touch forces opposing bigs to respect him beyond the arc. This two-man game has become increasingly central to Portland's offensive sets, particularly in crunch time when defenses key in on Lillard.
The financial aspect of Collins' journey provides another compelling layer. When he signed his three-year, $22 million extension in 2021, many questioned whether Portland was overpaying for an injury-prone big. Having analyzed hundreds of NBA contracts throughout my career, I believed then - and still do - that this represented one of the league's better value deals. Compare his production to centers making similar money, and Collins provides superior defensive versatility and floor spacing. In today's NBA, where spacing is paramount, a big who can protect the rim and shoot threes is worth every penny of that contract.
Looking forward, I'm bullish on Collins' continued development. At 25, he's entering what should be his physical prime, and he's shown incremental improvement in nearly every statistical category each season. His rebounding percentage has increased from 11.2% as a rookie to 14.8% last season, while his turnover rate has decreased annually. These might seem like minor improvements, but they indicate a player who's mastering the nuances of his position. If he can maintain his current trajectory while staying healthy, I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn All-Defensive team consideration within the next two seasons.
Collins represents exactly the type of modern big man that championship contenders need - versatile defensively, capable offensively, and intelligent in his execution. His journey from raw prospect to essential rotation piece mirrors the evolution of the NBA big man position itself. While he may never become a superstar, his value to Portland's system is undeniable. Having watched his entire professional journey unfold, I'm convinced his best basketball still lies ahead of him, provided he can maintain his health. The Trail Blazers' patience in his development serves as a valuable lesson for organizations everywhere - sometimes the most impactful players aren't immediately the most impressive.