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Sacramento Kings: 5 options for pick No. 10 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Jordan Treske

Dec 31, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) takes a shot against Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Louisville defeats Indiana 77-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) takes a shot against Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Louisville defeats Indiana 77-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) dribbles the ball past West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jevon Carter (2) during the first half in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) dribbles the ball past West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jevon Carter (2) during the first half in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga

2016-17 stats:  39 GP, 10 PPG, 5.9 RPG, .4 APG, .5 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 1.5 TOV, 65.2 FG%, 47.6 3P%, 74.3 FT%

The role of the big man in today’s NBA is evolving to the point where versatility is becoming an essential trait on both ends of the floor. For Zach Collins, the timing couldn’t have worked out better for him to make the jump to the NBA.

Although he didn’t log nearly the same amount of minutes as other projected lottery prospects, Collins still managed to stand out, especially in the latter stages of the Bulldogs’ tournament run this season.

Offensively, Collins is a very efficient player of his size and position, displaying a great level of athleticism that makes him a reliable lob target. He also shows a capability to space the floor, thanks to his brilliant touch, though there are some questions whether his range will seamlessly translate to the NBA three-point line.

On the other end of the floor, Collins has the makings of becoming an excellent rim protector who can do more than hold his own when defending in space. More times than not, however, Collins can be overly aggressive when guarding his assignment, as exhibited by his high foul rate (Collins averaged 6.2 fouls per 40 minutes this year).

Although he’ll have to bulk up a good amount to match the physicality of various big men in the league today, Collins’ mix of athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor make him a promising two-way player in the years to come.

But as is this case with any big man that’s being projected near both spots where the Kings are selecting in the lottery, there’s just no urgency for the Kings to take a player like Collins, since they’re already high on the young frontcourt players they already have.

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