The Portland Trail Blazers need to be patient with Zach Collins

Collins’ shooting ability

Collins is shooting 43 percent (32-for-73) on 2-point field goals and 29 percent (10-for-34) from 3 this season. He can shoot from the mid-range and step out to knock down the 3-point shot consistently.

Collins has an excellent shooting touch and shooting mechanics for a young seven-footer. He can shoot from the pick-and-pop, moving off of screens, and getting open in the flow of the offense. His shooting percentages will go up with the opportunity to play more. In college, Collins shot 67.2 percent on 2-point field goals and 47.6 percent from 3.

In this game against the Rockets, Collins reads what the defense does to defend a driving Damian Lillard, and when his man turns his back, Collins moves behind the 3-point line, gets the pass from Lillard, sets his feet, catches and shoots in rhythm and knocks down the 3.

Here vs. OKC, Collins goes to set a screen and leaks out for a 3-point shot that he knocks down with confidence in the face of Carmelo Anthony.

Collins’ ability to play both power forward, center, and shoot 3s is essential in today’s NBA — especially for the Blazers, who are missing a big man that can space the floor and knock down shots consistently.

The Blazers can play Collins next to multiple big men on their roster because of his shooting. He can play power forward next to Ed Davis or Jusuf Nurkic, and center next to Al-Farouq Aminu, Noah Vonleh, Moe Harkless or Meyers Leonard. Nurkic and Davis cannot spread the floor as much and are better in the post. Collins then can hang around the mid-range and 3-point line to space the floor.

According to Cleaning The Glass.com, the Blazers are shooting 37.6 percent of their shots from the mid-range and 27.6 percent of their shots from 3. Collins fits right in with that and over time he will become comfortable with the offense and find his spots on the floor to be effective.

Portland’s offense likes to move the ball, set screens, cut to the basket and just make the defense work to defend. Portland has guys that can finish the rim and attack.

Collins can draw his defender out to the 3-point line and make it easier for his teammates to get to the basket. Playing with guards who like to attack one on one or in the pick-and-roll like Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Shabazz Napier will open up shots for Collins when his defender plays help defense.