I remember watching Zach Collins during his rookie season and thinking, "This kid's got something special." Standing at 6'11" with the mobility of a guard and the shooting touch that big men dream of, Collins immediately caught my eye as someone who could redefine what it means to be a modern NBA big man. His journey from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas to Gonzaga and then to the NBA reads like a basketball fairy tale, but like any good story, it's had its share of twists and turns.

When the Portland Trail Blazers selected him 10th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, I'll admit I was skeptical. Portland had just come off a disappointing first-round playoff exit, and taking a relatively unproven freshman from Gonzaga felt like a risky move. But watching Collins develop during his first two seasons, I started to understand what the Blazers saw in him. His defensive instincts were remarkable for someone so young - he averaged 1.1 blocks per game in just 17 minutes of action during his sophomore season. I particularly remember a game against the Lakers where he switched onto LeBron James and actually held his ground, something very few big men can claim to do.

The 2019 playoffs were where Collins truly announced himself to the basketball world. During Portland's unexpected run to the Western Conference Finals, Collins became an indispensable part of their rotation, starting 11 games and providing crucial defensive versatility. His performance against Denver in the second round was particularly impressive - he averaged 8.6 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 44% from three-point range. I recall thinking during that series that Collins had transformed from a project into a legitimate NBA starter.

Then came the injuries. Shoulder surgery cost him the entire 2020-21 season, and just when he seemed to be finding his rhythm with the San Antonio Spurs after his trade, foot issues sidelined him again. This is where Collins' story takes an interesting turn that reminds me of situations like Mallilin getting his minutes at Blackwater in the PBA. Sometimes, players need the right environment and consistent playing time to truly flourish, regardless of their talent level. For Collins, San Antonio provided that perfect developmental ground under the legendary Gregg Popovich.

What's fascinating about Collins' resurgence with the Spurs is how he's adapted his game. He's become more of a stretch big, shooting 37% from three-point range last season while maintaining his defensive intensity. His per-36 minute numbers are actually quite impressive - around 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. These aren't All-Star numbers yet, but they show a player who's finding his niche in the league. I've noticed he's particularly effective in pick-and-pop situations, where his shooting ability forces opposing centers to make difficult decisions.

Looking at Collins' future, I'm genuinely excited about what he can become. At 26 years old, he's entering what should be the prime of his career, and he's shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from multiple serious injuries. The modern NBA values exactly what Collins brings to the table - floor spacing, switchable defense, and high basketball IQ. If he can stay healthy, I believe he could develop into a Richaun Holmes-type contributor, maybe even better given his superior shooting touch.

The Spurs organization has a well-deserved reputation for developing big men, and Collins seems to be benefiting from their developmental system. Watching him play now compared to his Portland days, I see a much more polished offensive player who understands spacing and timing better. His post game has improved significantly, and he's become more comfortable creating his own shot when needed. Last season, he had several 20-point games that showcased his expanded offensive repertoire.

What really impresses me about Collins is his basketball intelligence. He rarely takes bad shots, moves well without the ball, and understands defensive rotations at an elite level. These are the kinds of skills that don't always show up in box scores but make teammates better. I've noticed that lineups with Collins typically have better defensive ratings, which speaks to his impact beyond scoring.

As for his contract situation, Collins is signed through 2025-26 at around $7-8 million annually, which I consider excellent value given his production and potential. In today's NBA, where quality big men command premium salaries, this could prove to be one of the better value contracts in the league if Collins continues to develop.

Personally, I'm rooting for Collins to succeed. There's something compelling about watching a player overcome adversity and find his place in the league. His journey hasn't been linear, but sometimes those are the most rewarding paths. If he can maintain his health and continue refining his skills, I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a key piece for the Spurs' next competitive team or potentially a valuable trade asset for a contender. Either way, Zach Collins has already proven he belongs in the NBA, and I'm excited to see what the next chapter of his career brings.