As I was watching the San Antonio Spurs' recent game against the Denver Nuggets, something caught my eye that I haven't seen many analysts discussing—Zach Collins' quietly dominant performance. While Victor Wembanyama rightfully grabs headlines, Collins has been operating in the shadows, putting up numbers that make me wonder if he's currently the NBA's most underrated big man. Let me tell you, after watching basketball professionally for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for players who contribute beyond the box score, and Collins fits that mold perfectly.
What struck me most during that Nuggets game was Collins' defensive positioning. He's not the flashiest shot-blocker, but his ability to read offensive sets and disrupt passing lanes is genuinely special. I remember specifically noting how he forced Nikola Jokic into two crucial turnovers in the fourth quarter by perfectly timing his defensive rotations. Statistics show he's averaging 1.2 steals per game this season, which might not sound impressive until you realize that places him in the top 15 among all centers. His defensive rating of 106.3 is actually better than several more celebrated big men, including Utah's Walker Kessler. The way he uses his body to absorb contact while maintaining verticality reminds me of Al Horford in his prime—it's fundamental basketball executed at an elite level.
Offensively, Collins brings a dimension that's becoming increasingly rare in today's NBA. He's shooting 38% from three-point range on nearly three attempts per game, but what's more impressive is his playmaking from the high post. I've counted at least five instances this season where Collins has made skip passes to corner shooters that directly led to open threes. His assist percentage of 12.3% ranks him ahead of traditional big men like Clint Capela and Mitchell Robinson. These aren't just simple handoffs either—Collins demonstrates genuine court vision that you typically see from guards rather than seven-footers. When the Spurs run their offense through him at the elbow, good things tend to happen, and I've noticed their offensive rating jumps by nearly 8 points when he's operating from that area.
The comparison that immediately comes to mind when watching Collins is a young Marc Gasol. Both players move with that same deliberate grace, both can stretch the floor, and both possess that innate understanding of defensive positioning that can't be taught. Collins might not have Gasol's peak accolades yet, but the foundation is remarkably similar. What's particularly fascinating is how Collins has developed his game despite limited opportunities early in his career due to injuries. He's playing with the wisdom of a ten-year veteran despite being only 26 years old. I genuinely believe that if Collins maintains his current trajectory, he could make an All-Defensive team within the next two seasons.
Now, you might wonder why I'm focusing so much on Collins when there are other talented big men in the league. The answer lies in value versus recognition. Players like Evan Mobley and Chet Holmgren receive substantial media attention—deservedly so—but Collins provides similar two-way impact with far less fanfare. His net rating of +4.5 places him second on the Spurs behind only Wembanyama, yet you rarely hear his name in national conversations about impactful big men. This discrepancy between production and recognition is precisely what makes him so underrated.
Looking at the broader NBA landscape, teams are constantly searching for big men who can space the floor while holding their own defensively. Collins checks both boxes while bringing additional playmaking chops. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who privately rate Collins much higher than public perception suggests. One Western Conference scout told me off the record that Collins would start for at least ten other NBA teams right now. Considering he's coming off the bench for San Antonio, that speaks volumes about his talent level and how it's being somewhat obscured by his role.
The reference to Mallilin getting minutes at Blackwater in a different league context actually highlights an important point about opportunity and perception. Just as Mallilin can expect increased playing time to demonstrate his value, Collins has been making the most of his minutes in San Antonio. In his 22 minutes per game, he's averaging 11.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists—numbers that become even more impressive when projected to starter's minutes. If Collins were playing 32 minutes per game like some starting centers, he'd likely be averaging around 16 points and 9 rebounds, which would place him firmly in the conversation with more recognized big men.
What truly sets Collins apart in my evaluation is his basketball IQ. Watch any Spurs game closely, and you'll notice how frequently he makes the right read, whether it's switching defensively, making the extra pass, or taking an open three. His decision-making speed has improved dramatically since his Portland days, and I attribute much of that to Gregg Popovich's system. Having studied countless players throughout my career, I can confidently say that Collins possesses the type of situational awareness that championship teams covet in role players. He understands spacing, timing, and when to take calculated risks.
As the NBA continues to evolve, players like Collins become increasingly valuable. He's not just a traditional center nor a stretch-five, but rather a hybrid who can adapt to various offensive and defensive schemes. His versatility allows the Spurs to deploy multiple lineup configurations, and I've noticed they often use him as the defensive anchor when Wembanyama rests. During those minutes, San Antonio's defensive efficiency actually improves slightly, which is remarkable considering they're replacing arguably the best defensive prospect in NBA history.
After analyzing his game thoroughly, I'm convinced Zach Collins deserves far more recognition than he currently receives. While he may never become a perennial All-Star, his combination of shooting, defense, and playmaking makes him one of the most complete backup centers in the league—and potentially a starter on many teams. The Spurs have quietly developed a gem who contributes to winning basketball in ways that don't always show up in highlight reels. As the season progresses, I expect more people will begin to appreciate Collins' subtle yet significant impact. For now, he remains one of the NBA's best-kept secrets, and frankly, I enjoy watching knowledgeable basketball fans discover just how good he really is.
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