The Portland Trail Blazers need to be patient with Zach Collins
By Ty Delbridge
Rebounding
Coming out of Gonzaga, Collins was one of the best rebounders in the draft. He is an active rebounder on both ends of the floor. Collins averaged 13.7 rebounds per 40 minutes a game at Gonzaga.
The rookie has had one 10-rebound game this season. Collins brings energy into the game and isn’t afraid to bang around down low. Portland has found success playing Collins next to Ed Davis.
Collins is a smart rebounder and waits for the right opportunities. He has been good at grabbing offensive rebounds and going right back up for a shot attempt.
On the defensive end, Collins gets good position and gets a body into his guy to fight for the rebound.
Against OKC, Collins fights and wins the spot on the Thunder’s Steven Adams. Collins puts his backside into him and moves the more prominent and stronger Adams back to win the rebound.
Collins has room to grow into his body to become an elite rebounder in the NBA. He needs to add mass and strength to his frame, but at 20 years old, the talent is there to become a double-digit rebounder for years to come.