In the competitive world of the NBA, players who can make an immediate impact and evolve their game with time are highly regarded. One player who has shown notable growth in recent years is Zach Collins, the versatile center/power forward for the San Antonio Spurs. Collins, originally drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, has made a name for himself with his blend of size, skill, and defensive prowess.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Zach Collins’ stats, exploring his performance throughout his career, his key strengths, and how he fits into the NBA’s evolving landscape. From his early years in college basketball to his current role in the NBA, we will break down his contributions in detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of this talented big man.
Who is Zach Collins?
Before delving into the numbers, it’s essential to understand who Zach Collins is as a player. Born on November 19, 1997, in Gonzaga, California, Collins developed a passion for basketball from a young age. His journey through the ranks of college basketball at Gonzaga University and his selection in the NBA Draft has shaped him into the player he is today.
College Career at Gonzaga
Collins played one season for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in 2016-2017, where he showcased his potential on the national stage. Though he was limited to 17.2 minutes per game in his only year at Gonzaga, Collins made a significant impact in those minutes, helping his team reach the NCAA Championship Game.
His college stats were impressive for a freshman:
6.5 points per game (PPG)
6.0 rebounds per game (RPG)
1.8 blocks per game (BPG)
65.2% field goal shooting (FG%)
While his time at Gonzaga was brief, Collins demonstrated his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. His shot-blocking and rebounding skills, paired with his efficient field-goal shooting, were what really stood out.
Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers
In the 2017 NBA Draft, Collins was selected with the 10th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. His selection signaled the belief that he could develop into a key player for Portland in the future. However, injuries would hinder his early years in the NBA, limiting his potential contributions and slowing down his development.
Zach Collins’ NBA Career: Key Stats and Milestones
Since joining the NBA, Zach Collins has faced some injury setbacks, but he’s gradually shown his value in the league. His stats have evolved, and his growth has been evident in his role with the San Antonio Spurs, who acquired him after a trade from the Blazers.
Early Years: 2017-2020 (Portland Trail Blazers)
During his early years with Portland, Collins struggled to stay healthy, with injuries limiting his appearances. Despite this, he showed glimpses of his potential, particularly in his ability to stretch the floor as a big man and provide rim protection.
Here’s a look at his stats during his time with the Trail Blazers:
2017-2018 Season: 4.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.1 BPG in 15.4 MPG
2018-2019 Season: 6.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 BPG in 22.0 MPG
2019-2020 Season: 7.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.0 BPG in 23.2 MPG
His role with the Blazers was primarily as a backup big, and he showcased his defensive abilities and rebounding prowess. The numbers, while modest, reflected the development of a player who could be a key contributor once he fully recovered from his injuries.
The 2020-2021 Injury Setback: Unfortunately, in 2020, Collins underwent surgery for a left shoulder injury, which kept him out of most of the 2020-2021 season. His absence was a significant blow to his growth, as he was unable to showcase his potential during that year.
The Trade to the San Antonio Spurs (2021-Present)
After struggling to stay healthy with the Trail Blazers, Collins was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2021, marking a fresh start for the talented big man. With the Spurs, he began to get more consistent playing time and started to regain his form.
Here’s an overview of his stats since joining the Spurs:
2021-2022 Season: 6.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.0 BPG in 17.5 MPG
2022-2023 Season: 10.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.5 BPG in 23.0 MPG
2023-2024 Season (so far): 12.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.0 BPG in 25.2 MPG
Collins’ stats with the Spurs have been a clear reflection of his improvement over the years. His minutes have steadily increased, as has his ability to contribute offensively and defensively. His shot-blocking and rebounding remain strong points, while he’s also developed into a more reliable scorer.
Zach Collins’ Key Stats for the 2023-2024 Season
Let’s break down Collins’ stats for the current 2023-2024 NBA season, where he has taken on an even more significant role for the Spurs:
Scoring Stats
Points per game (PPG): 12.1
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 52.8%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 35.3%
Collins has seen an uptick in his scoring, averaging 12.1 points per game. His efficient 52.8% shooting from the field showcases his ability to finish around the rim and score in the paint. Additionally, his 35.3% shooting from beyond the arc indicates that Collins is more than just a traditional big man; he can stretch the floor and make a significant impact from the perimeter.
Rebounding and Assists
Rebounds per game (RPG): 7.2
Assists per game (APG): 2.4
Collins continues to showcase his ability to rebound effectively, averaging over 7 rebounds per game. His ability to play both ends of the court makes him valuable to the Spurs, as he contributes not only as a scorer but also as a reliable presence on the boards. While Collins is primarily known for his defense and rebounding, his 2.4 assists per game show that he is more than capable of contributing as a secondary playmaker. This versatility adds a unique dimension to his game, especially for a big man.
Defensive Stats
Blocks per game (BPG): 2.0
Steals per game (SPG): 0.7
Defensively, Collins has continued to make his mark. With 2.0 blocks per game, he remains a formidable shot-blocker in the paint. His ability to protect the rim makes him an essential part of San Antonio’s defensive schemes. Additionally, while his 0.7 steals per game may not seem high, his defensive positioning and ability to disrupt plays are a key part of his defensive identity.
Advanced Stats
To gain a deeper understanding of Collins’ overall impact on the court, let’s take a look at some advanced statistics:
Player Efficiency Rating (PER): 18.2
Defensive Rating (DRtg): 106.5
Offensive Rating (ORtg): 112.4
Collins’ PER of 18.2 indicates that he is playing at a relatively high level of efficiency for his position. His Defensive Rating of 106.5 suggests that he is an effective defender on the floor, while his Offensive Rating of 112.4 showcases his ability to contribute positively on offense as well.
Zach Collins’ Playing Style
Collins’ playing style has evolved throughout his career, and he’s developed into a versatile big man with a strong all-around game. Here are some of the key aspects of his playing style:
Offensive Game: Collins’ offensive game is well-rounded. He has excellent touch around the rim and is adept at finishing with both hands. His ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the outside adds another layer to his game, allowing him to be more than just a traditional center. His jump shot, particularly from mid-range, is smooth, and he’s capable of stepping out to the three-point line when needed.
Defensive Game: Defensively, Collins is known for his ability to protect the rim. His timing as a shot blocker is impressive, and he has the physicality and awareness to defend without fouling. He’s also capable of switching onto smaller players, making him a versatile defender. Collins’ basketball IQ helps him make smart rotations and contest shots effectively.
Rebounding and Hustle: Collins is a tenacious rebounder, especially on the defensive end. He has a great nose for the ball and uses his size and strength to box out opponents. His hustle on the boards is a key part of his game, and it provides his team with extra possessions.
FAQs
What are Zach Collins’ career stats?
As of the latest 2024-2025 season, Zach Collins has had notable career averages across several key statistics. His stats include points, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game, which reflect his versatility as a big man. For more detailed and up-to-date statistics, checking the NBA’s official site or sports databases like Basketball-Reference provides the most accurate and current figures.
How many points does Zach Collins average per game?
In the 2023-2024 season, Zach Collins averaged approximately 9.6 points per game. This figure fluctuates depending on his role and minutes played in a given season. To stay updated with his latest season performance, checking sports news outlets and the NBA’s official page is advised.
What are Zach Collins’ strengths as a player?
Zach Collins is known for his strong defensive skills, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding. His offensive game has developed over time, and he is capable of scoring both inside and occasionally from the outside. His mobility for a big man is also a strength, allowing him to move well in pick-and-roll situations.
What is Zach Collins’ injury history?
Zach Collins has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including significant issues with his shoulder and ankle. These injuries have affected his playing time and development early in his career, but he has since bounced back and is currently playing regularly for the San Antonio Spurs.
How does Zach Collins contribute to the San Antonio Spurs?
Zach Collins is a key piece for the San Antonio Spurs, particularly as they build around their young core. His experience, defensive prowess, and ability to stretch the floor provide the team with a solid veteran presence, and his development has been important as the Spurs look to rebuild and compete in the coming seasons.
In Summary
Zach Collins has established himself as one of the NBA’s promising big men, with his impressive stats reflecting his growth and potential. His blend of offensive efficiency, defensive ability, and rebounding prowess makes him a key player for the San Antonio Spurs. As he continues to improve and develop his game, Collins could become one of the league’s more versatile frontcourt players. Whether it’s his scoring, shot-blocking, or leadership on the floor, Zach Collins is a player worth watching as he continues to make strides in his NBA career.
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