How Zach Collins Became a Key Player in the NBA This Season
I still remember watching Zach Collins during his rookie year and thinking, "This kid's got potential, but he's going to need time." Fast forward to this season, and my initial assessment couldn't have been more accurate—though the transformation I've witnessed has genuinely surprised even someone who's followed the NBA religiously for fifteen years. When the Spurs traded for him back in 2021, many analysts saw him as just another big man who might contribute off the bench. But this season, Collins has emerged as one of the most reliable big men in the league, averaging 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 52% from the field. Those numbers might not scream "superstar," but when you watch him play, you see a player who understands his role perfectly and executes with a level of polish that's rare for someone who's dealt with as many injuries as he has.
What's fascinating about Collins' development is how it mirrors situations we see in other leagues, including overseas. Take the PBA, for example—the Philippine Basketball Association. I've followed international basketball for years, and one thing that always stands out is how player development differs across leagues. In the PBA, a player like Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser might find himself in a situation similar to what Collins experienced early in his career. Mallilin can expect to get his minutes at Blackwater, but earning meaningful playing time requires more than just showing up. It demands the kind of resilience Collins has demonstrated. When Mallilin steps onto the court for Blackwater, he'll need to prove himself through consistent effort, much like Collins did during his rehabilitation periods. The parallel isn't perfect, but it highlights a universal truth in professional basketball: opportunity is nothing without preparation.
Collins' journey hasn't been straightforward. After missing the entire 2020-2021 season due to ankle surgery, many wondered if he'd ever return to form. I'll admit—I was skeptical too. But watching him this season, I've been blown away by his basketball IQ and versatility. He's developed a reliable three-point shot, hitting 36% from beyond the arc, and his passing out of the high post has created countless scoring opportunities for his teammates. What impresses me most is his defensive positioning; he's not the most athletic big man, but he consistently beats opponents to their spots. This kind of development doesn't happen overnight. It requires countless hours in the gym, studying film, and—frankly—a coaching staff that believes in you. Gregg Popovich's system has been perfect for Collins, allowing him to play to his strengths while masking his limitations.
The comparison to international players like those in the PBA is particularly relevant when we consider role acceptance. In today's NBA, players who succeed often understand their limitations and excel within their roles. Collins could have tried to become something he's not—a volume scorer or a flashy shot-blocker—but instead, he's embraced being a connector on both ends of the floor. Similarly, when Mallilin gets his minutes at Blackwater, he'll need to identify what he does best and perfect those skills rather than trying to do everything. This approach has served Collins wonderfully; his net rating of +4.3 places him among the top tier of rotation big men in the league. It's a testament to doing a few things exceptionally well rather than many things adequately.
What many casual observers miss about Collins' ascension is the mental aspect of his game. Having covered the NBA for various publications over the years, I've seen countless talented players fail to put it all together because they couldn't overcome mental hurdles. Collins' injury history could have broken him, but instead, it seems to have given him perspective. He plays with a calmness that's unusual for someone his age, rarely forcing shots or making reckless decisions. This maturity reminds me of veterans who've been in the league a decade longer. When I watch him make the extra pass or take a charge in a crucial moment, I see a player who's completely bought into winning basketball rather than personal accolades.
The financial aspect can't be ignored either. Collins' contract—three years for $22 million—looks like an absolute steal now. In today's market, where role players regularly command $15-20 million annually, the Spurs have secured a foundational piece at a discount. This kind of value signing is what separates well-run organizations from the rest. It also creates interesting parallels to leagues like the PBA, where resource allocation is even more critical due to smaller budgets. When Mallilin eventually gets significant minutes at Blackwater, his production relative to his salary will be scrutinized similarly, though on a different scale.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited to see how Collins continues to develop. At 26, he's just entering his prime, and with Victor Wembanyama now in San Antonio, Collins' role might evolve further. Personally, I'd love to see him take more three-pointers—he's shown he can make them at a respectable clip, and stretching the floor would create even more opportunities for his teammates. His story serves as an important reminder that player development isn't linear. Sometimes, it takes injuries, roster changes, and simple patience for a player to find his footing. As we watch similar stories unfold across global basketball landscapes—whether it's Collins in San Antonio or Mallilin earning his minutes at Blackwater—the throughline remains the same: opportunity meeting preparation creates transformation. Collins may not make an All-Star team this year, but he's become exactly what the Spurs needed, and in today's NBA, that's often more valuable than individual honors.
