How Zach Collins Became a Key Player in the NBA This Season

I remember watching Zach Collins during his rookie year and thinking, "This kid's got potential, but he's going to need time." Fast forward to this season, and my initial assessment couldn't have been more accurate – though the transformation has been even more remarkable than I anticipated. When the San Antonio Spurs drafted him 10th overall back in 2017, many saw a skilled big man with shooting touch, but injuries and limited opportunities made his early career feel like a waiting game. This season, that waiting has finally paid off in spectacular fashion, establishing Collins as one of the most valuable big men in the league.

What strikes me most about Collins' evolution is how perfectly he's adapted to the modern NBA's demands for versatile big men. He's not just a traditional center camping in the paint – he's developed into a legitimate three-point threat, shooting a respectable 37.2% from beyond the arc on nearly four attempts per game. That spacing has been absolutely crucial for the Spurs' offense, creating driving lanes for their guards and forcing opposing big men out of their comfort zones. I've always believed that the most valuable players are those who make their teammates better, and Collins does exactly that through his offensive versatility. His passing out of the high post has become surprisingly sophisticated, averaging 3.8 assists per game – an excellent number for a center. Watching him make quick decisions with the ball reminds me of the European big men who've thrived in today's positionless basketball.

The comparison to players like Mallilin expecting minutes at Blackwater in the PBA comes to mind when I think about Collins' journey. Just as Mallilin can anticipate increased opportunity with his new team, Collins needed the right situation to showcase his complete skill set. For years, he was stuck behind other big men or recovering from injuries, much like how talented players in other leagues might be waiting for their chance to shine. When Jakob Poeltl was traded to Toronto last season, it created the opening Collins needed, and he's seized it with both hands. His minutes have jumped from 17.9 per game last season to 28.4 this year, and his production has increased accordingly. He's posting career highs in points (12.8), rebounds (7.8), and blocks (1.2) while providing the Spurs with exactly the kind of frontcourt presence they've been missing.

Defensively, Collins has exceeded even my optimistic expectations. At 6'11" with a 7'1" wingspan, he has the physical tools to protect the rim, but what impresses me most is his improved positioning and timing. He's not just relying on athleticism – he's reading offenses better and making smarter rotations. I've noticed how he's cut down on foolish fouls that plagued him earlier in his career, going from 4.8 fouls per 36 minutes two seasons ago to just 3.2 this year. That discipline has allowed him to stay on the court longer and be more effective in crucial moments. His defensive rating of 108.3 might not jump off the page, but when you watch him anchor the Spurs' defense, you see the impact that doesn't always show up in traditional stats.

What really sets Collins apart this season, in my view, is his basketball IQ and how he's embraced his role within the Spurs' system. Gregg Popovich demands intelligence and selflessness from his players, and Collins has flourished in that environment. He sets solid screens, makes the extra pass, and understands spacing better than most big men in the league. I've been particularly impressed with his chemistry with Jeremy Sochan – their two-man game has become one of San Antonio's most reliable offensive actions. Collins knows exactly when to roll to the basket and when to pop out for three, keeping defenses guessing and creating opportunities for everyone.

Looking at his advanced stats reveals even more about his impact. His player efficiency rating has jumped to 18.7, well above the league average of 15, and his true shooting percentage of 59.3% is excellent for a big man who takes as many threes as he does. The Spurs are 4.6 points per 100 possessions better with Collins on the floor – that's the kind of impact that wins games. When I analyze lineups, it's clear that Collins makes the Spurs' starting unit significantly more effective on both ends of the court.

Collins' resurgence reminds me that player development isn't always linear. Sometimes it takes the right situation, good health, and patience for talent to fully blossom. His journey from injury-plagued reserve to key starter should serve as inspiration for other players who might be struggling to find their footing in the league. At just 26 years old, he's entering his prime and has established himself as a building block for the Spurs' future. I wouldn't be surprised to see him continue to improve, potentially making an All-Star game in the next couple of seasons if he maintains this trajectory. His story this season is one of perseverance paying off, and as someone who's followed his career from the beginning, it's been incredibly satisfying to watch.