Portland Trail Blazers: 2017 NBA Draft grades
Zach Collins has incredibly high potential…to be a bust
We went over the good news. The bad news: the Portland Trail Blazers took an offensive weapon instead of a much-needed defender, all the while losing out on lottery-level talents in Justin Jackson (15) and Harry Giles (20).
It’s no secret that the Blazers aren’t the best defensive team in the league. Of course, much of that has to do with all the buckets they give up from behind the arc and not so much what they give up in the paint, but the question of whether Collins will be able to guard the perimeter remains to be seen.
In addition, Collins notably lacks the defensive discipline to stay out of foul trouble. He averaged 2.7 fouls per game last season at Gonazga, which translates to 6.2 fouls per 40 minutes and 8.8 fouls per 100 possessions.
Per Draft Express’ NCAA championship game prospect analysis:
"“Collins was having an up and down NCAA Tournament leading into Saturday, struggling to stay out of foul trouble, looking far too sped up at times, and being very mistake prone and reactive to everything that happens on the floor. Scouts are still trying to get a better handle on the extent of his toughness and basketball IQ, as he’s been inconsistent in those departments throughout the season.” – Jonathan Givony, Draft Express"
And according to Jason Quick of CSN Northwest, Collins didn’t even work out for the team. So if you’re keeping up with me, the Blazers essentially sold two lottery-talent steals in the middle of the first round for a long-range shooting big man. Both pre-draft workouts of Jackson and Giles obviously must have went horribly wrong.
Nevertheless, I don’t put too much blame on the Blazers considering they REALLY needed to find a way to trade one or two or their picks, and Zach Collins will end up adding some much-needed depth in the frontcourt.
C. The Portland Trail Blazers needed a defensive talent. They instead trade away steals in Justin Jackson (15th pick) and Harry Giles (20th pick) to select a 7-footer who likes to foul and shoot threes. <p>Still, team stays within budget by trading both 15 and 20.</p>. PF/C. Portland Trail Blazers. ZACH COLLINS
On the other hand, Blazers fans have already suffered through Meyers Leonard and Mason Plumlee. Zach Collins seems to be the next in a long line of offensive-minded big men who will end up disappointing fans for the next couple years.