Since the trade deadline, the former No. 10 overall pick and injury casualty of the Portland Trail Blazers has been performing like someone who's going to get paid.
Whoa, those defensive stats are staggering! It’s been clear to me how good Zach has been on offense, but didn’t realize he was having a huge impact defensively as well.
Zach’s 3-point efficiency at higher volume since the trade deadline has been a revelation, but I’ve also been especially impressed by his post moves and passing. He feels like one of the few bigs in the league who I see leverage legitimate post moves and footwork to score in a variety of diverse ways around the rim. Reminds me just a smidge of Timmy (heresy I know!).
Had been thinking recently about how Collins is playing himself into being a part of the “young core” conversation (with Dev, KJ, & Jeremy).
What do you see as Collins’ ceiling? To me he seems to have top-10 center potential (don’t think he’s too far outside that range right now). His combination of 3-level scoring, passing, and defensive impact is hard to find.
Mar 25, 2023·edited Mar 25, 2023Liked by Matthew Tynan
Great analysis and stats. Love to hear how well he’s doing and the possibility in contract renewal.
How are his numbers affected by the other big men playing in the same game? Pop changes the lineup so much, I can’t tell how often he plays with Sochan, for example. And, other than Mamu, the current rotation is pretty small outside Collins.
I'm still catching up on all your great writing, love the Zach Collins love, I think he's been great in his starting role, and I hope we're able to sign him to a long term extension this offseason
Great article! This initial trepidation with his contract definitely looks ignorant in retrospect. I understand people had been nervous about his injury history, but what is cap space (like 5% of it for that matter) for if not for taking risks, especially when rebuilding?
The defensive stats you pointed out took me back a little. I think i’ve enjoyed the growth in his distributing and his increased quick decision making the most.
Damn...wasn’t expecting the defensive numbers to be as good as they are. To my eye, it seems like he can struggle a bit when players get into his body cause he’s not particularly heavy, but I prob need to watch closer for the subtle things he does to be effective as a rim protector
Whoa, those defensive stats are staggering! It’s been clear to me how good Zach has been on offense, but didn’t realize he was having a huge impact defensively as well.
Zach’s 3-point efficiency at higher volume since the trade deadline has been a revelation, but I’ve also been especially impressed by his post moves and passing. He feels like one of the few bigs in the league who I see leverage legitimate post moves and footwork to score in a variety of diverse ways around the rim. Reminds me just a smidge of Timmy (heresy I know!).
Had been thinking recently about how Collins is playing himself into being a part of the “young core” conversation (with Dev, KJ, & Jeremy).
What do you see as Collins’ ceiling? To me he seems to have top-10 center potential (don’t think he’s too far outside that range right now). His combination of 3-level scoring, passing, and defensive impact is hard to find.
Great analysis and stats. Love to hear how well he’s doing and the possibility in contract renewal.
How are his numbers affected by the other big men playing in the same game? Pop changes the lineup so much, I can’t tell how often he plays with Sochan, for example. And, other than Mamu, the current rotation is pretty small outside Collins.
Good stuff, love the nasty he brings... Spurs will have more money to burn... who are good “low risk, high reward” targets irrespective of our roster?
Jaxson Hayes, Kevin Knox, (Georgian) Goga, and who else?
I'm still catching up on all your great writing, love the Zach Collins love, I think he's been great in his starting role, and I hope we're able to sign him to a long term extension this offseason
Great article! This initial trepidation with his contract definitely looks ignorant in retrospect. I understand people had been nervous about his injury history, but what is cap space (like 5% of it for that matter) for if not for taking risks, especially when rebuilding?
The defensive stats you pointed out took me back a little. I think i’ve enjoyed the growth in his distributing and his increased quick decision making the most.
Damn...wasn’t expecting the defensive numbers to be as good as they are. To my eye, it seems like he can struggle a bit when players get into his body cause he’s not particularly heavy, but I prob need to watch closer for the subtle things he does to be effective as a rim protector