2025-11-20 16:02

I remember watching Zach Collins during his Portland days and thinking there was something special about his game, but injuries really derailed what could have been a promising start. When he signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021, many saw it as a reclamation project—another big man trying to salvage his career under Gregg Popovich's system. But what we're witnessing now is something far more fascinating than just a comeback story. Collins has quietly become one of the most versatile big men in the league, and his transformation speaks volumes about player development in today's NBA.

The numbers tell part of the story. Last season, Collins averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in just 23 minutes per game—efficiency that puts him in rare company among backup centers. But what really stands out is his three-point shooting. He's hitting 37.2% from beyond the arc on nearly three attempts per game, a dramatic improvement from his 32% in Portland. I've always believed that modern big men need to stretch the floor, and Collins has embraced this evolution completely. His ability to pop out for threes or roll hard to the rim makes San Antonio's offense so much more dynamic. Watching him play, you can see how much he's worked on his footwork and shooting mechanics—the release is quicker, the form more consistent. These aren't just minor adjustments; they're fundamental changes to his game that have extended his career.

What's particularly interesting about Collins' resurgence is how it contrasts with development paths in other leagues. Take the PBA, for example, where players like Mallilin at Blackwater face similar career crossroads. Mallilin can expect to get his minutes at Blackwater, but the development infrastructure there differs significantly from the NBA's sophisticated systems. In the Spurs organization, Collins has access to world-class training facilities, specialized coaches for every aspect of his game, and a development program that's tailored to his specific needs. The attention to detail is remarkable—they've even adjusted his diet and recovery routines to prevent the kind of injuries that plagued his early career. While Mallilin's situation demonstrates the importance of getting consistent playing time anywhere, Collins' case shows how the right organizational support can transform a player's trajectory entirely.

I've been particularly impressed with Collins' basketball IQ this season. He's always had good instincts, but now he's reading defenses at an elite level. The way he sets screens, makes quick decisions in the pick-and-roll, and finds open teammates—it's all come together beautifully. There was a play against Memphis last month where he caught the ball at the top of the key, pump-faked to get his defender in the air, drove past him, and delivered a perfect bounce pass to a cutting teammate. Those kinds of plays separate serviceable big men from difference-makers. His assist numbers might not jump off the page at 2.9 per game, but his hockey assists and the way he facilitates ball movement are invaluable to San Antonio's system.

Defensively, Collins has become more disciplined without losing his edge. He's averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals, but his real impact comes from his positioning and communication. The Spurs have him playing more drop coverage in pick-and-roll situations, using his length to contest shots while staying vertical to avoid foul trouble. He's committing only 2.8 fouls per 36 minutes, down from 4.2 earlier in his career. That maturity in his defensive approach shows how much he's grown. I've noticed he's much better at using his body to wall up drivers rather than going for highlight-reel blocks—that's the kind of subtle improvement that coaches love but often goes unnoticed by casual fans.

The financial aspect of Collins' resurgence can't be overlooked either. His three-year, $22 million contract extension signed last summer looks like an absolute steal now. In today's market, where quality big men command premium prices, the Spurs have secured a versatile rotation player at below-market value. This gives them crucial flexibility as they continue their rebuild. Compare this to some of the bloated contracts we've seen for similar players around the league, and it's clear San Antonio's front office deserves credit for identifying Collins' potential and betting on their development system.

Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited to see how Collins continues to evolve. At 26, he's entering what should be his prime years, and he's shown he can be a perfect complementary piece alongside San Antonio's young core. His ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions, and make smart plays fits perfectly with the modern NBA. While he may never be an All-Star, he's carved out exactly the kind of role that championship teams need—the reliable, do-it-all big who makes everyone around him better. His journey from injury-plagued prospect to key rotation player serves as a valuable lesson in perseverance and the importance of finding the right organizational fit. In many ways, Collins represents what makes the NBA so compelling—it's not always about the superstars, but about players who continuously work to redefine their games and find new ways to contribute.