Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga
Age: 19
Height: 7-foot-0
Wingspan: 7-foot-1
Weight: 232 pounds
Pros:
- An NBA-level rebounder who grabbed 1.7 offensive rebounds per game in limited minutes off the bench.
- Good mobility and coordination, especially at his size and position
- Will be a versatile defender who can guard both frontcourt positions and switch onto wings
- Nice shooting touch and mechanics, should be able to space the floor.
Cons:
- Average athlete, lacks elite length
- Needs to develop as a passer (0.4 assists per game) and his overall feel for the game
Lowdown:
Collins didn’t start as a freshman at Gonzaga but his potential leaps off the screen when you watch him. He’s probably the best two-way center in this year’s draft, and should carve out a role on any team pretty quickly. The question is how high is his ceiling. If he continues to develop his jumper and improves his overall feel for the game (which should come with time, age and coaching) Collins compares favorably to a young Marc Gasol.
Next: Immediate reaction to the draft lottery
For the Heat, Collins could step in and play backup center minutes behind Whiteside or next to him as a power forward. Eventually, he could develop into a modern NBA center who makes Whiteside expendable, or pairs with him to form a tall and athletic frontcourt.