Collins is an unproven rookie with skills.....it's all speculation but you're probably right....your projection of Zach will probably be better than mine..debate over
I hope the kid morphs into Alajuwon...as long as we're speculating...I hope his defense..aka shot blocking is like Whiteside and he shoots like Dirk...I don't really think we know how Zach plays yet is sort of my point....I thought....Tom Chambers....offensive juggernaut...Michael Doleac....solid role player...Doleac being the meh....just ok comparison...wasn't going for analytics but that's not my thing.
All rookies are unproven, but that doesn't mean we can't assess their strengths and weaknesses. Collins projects as a solid 2-way player (something the Blazers REALLY need at the forward spots to complement their high scoring, but defensively challenged guards). He has great defensive instincts and fundamentals, which is very promising in a 19-year old big. His offensive game at Gonzaga was well rounded. He's never been the leading scorer on his team at any level, and doesn't project to be in the NBA either. He is an efficient scorer with some good post moves and range out to the 3-point line. If he reaches his potential, he will be a great complimentary player at the offensive end as well. He already has a much more developed and well rounded offensive game than Noah Vonleh. It will be interesting to watch him grow. Right now, Swanigan is much more NBA ready, and I love his motor and work ethic, but I think Collins has more upside. If Collins develops, a three big man rotation of Nurk, Collins and Swanigan could be seriously good a couple years from now. The trio would provide a great combination of inside and out scoring, pick and roll defense and rim protection, great rebounding and excellent passing. Nurk has the most complete skill set of the three, but that will just allow him to fit well with either Collins or Swanigan. In fact, given Collin's rim protection and 3-point shooting, combined with Swanigan's passing and rebounding, the two of them could also be very effective when playing together. Of course, this is all just my personal opinions and projections, but they are based on what I've seen and read about these guys. Collins looked shaky in summer league, but he was outstanding in the NCAA tourney. To me, that proves he's no shrinking violet. It will take him a while to put it together and adjust to the NBA game, but I think he will get there sooner than many of the pessimists here expect. BNM
Its not all about analytics (I haven't used one single advanced stat in this thread), it's about skill sets and athletic ability. Chambers was an outstanding scorer. He led his team in scoring for several seasons. He did it with the Clippers, Seattle and Phoenix. Collins has never led his team in scoring at any level. He does not project to be a Tom Chambers like No. 1 option high volume scorer. And yes, Collins was a back up in his one season at Gonzaga, but that does not relegate him to being a Micheal Doleac like career back up in the NBA. Collins was a 19-year old freshman backing up a 23-year old, 305 lb, 5th year senior. Karnowski had the size and strength to overpower college opponents, but didn't even get drafted by the NBA. His game lacks the skill and athleticism to translate to the NBA. No one here has claimed Collins will be the next Olajuwon or Whiteside. Saying someone projects to be a good rim protector isn't the same as claiming they will be one of the greatest shot blockers in the history of the league. What if he's only a Joel Przybilla level rim protector? That's still a pretty good thing - especially since Collins also has a nice, well rounded offensive game and can make free throws. BNM
That wouldn't be bad, but my dream (I know that it's crazy but hear me out) is that he turns into Olajuwon !!!
He's too stiff to be Olajuwon. (And by "stiff" I mean "white," but I'd rather not be racist. Maybe he can be Keith Van Horn!)
IMO, the best comparison with his skillset (shot-blocking, 3-point shooting center) is probably Raef Lafrentz (Denver edition).
DEN Raef Lafrentz is a very good comparison. DEN Raef Lafrentz wad a very good player. He did something no Blazers has ever done - block 200+ shots in two consecutive seasons. BNM
Hopefully not ever, but at least not until he's in his ate 20s. That's when the injuries caught up with Lafrentz. BNM
