The Portland Trail Blazers need to be patient with Zach Collins

Rim Protecting

The Blazers have lacked a rim protector, and one of the reasons they drafted Collins was because of his potential to be an elite rim protector.

During Gonzaga’s March Madness tournament run, he had 18 blocks in six games, including a six-block game in the Final Four.

For the Blazers this season, Collins only has 11 blocks. But he uses his long arms well to contest shots and make teams think twice about getting an easy attempt at the rim. He has a three-block game and two two-block games this season.

On defense, the Blazers like to have their big men in the pick-and-roll hang back in the paint and force the offense to shoot a mid-range shot. Collins is quick enough to be back to protect the rim and then jump out to contest the opponent shooting.

In this play against the Thunder, Paul George is driving to the hoop and has to stop short because Collins is in his way. George then has to then toss up a floater to shoot over the outstretched arms of Collins. These are the type of plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

Against the Heat, Collins comes from behind to block a layup attempt from Dion Waiters. Collins shows his quickness with this blocked shot.

Here might be one of Collins most impressive plays of his NBA career. He has to play defense on James Harden after Harden comes off a screen in the pick-and-roll. Collins stays in front of Harden the entire drive and then cleanly swats away Harden’s layup attempt.

Collins will develop into a suitable rim protector, and that will make opposing teams game plan around him. He will help make up for the fact the Blazers do not have a strong defense in the backcourt.