In a bold and calculated move, the San Antonio Spurs have restructured their roster, centering around the versatile and rising star. With Gregg Popovich at the helm, the Spurs have strategically bolstered their squad by giving a more prominent role to the 26-year-old Star, positioning him as an ideal replacement for Jakob Poeltl, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2023. This roster decision could signal the Spurs’ desire to blend their young core with experienced utility players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
A Replacement with Versatility
His evolution into a cornerstone of the Spurs roster is not only a testament to his perseverance through injuries but also to his rare combination of skills that make him a unique utility player. Standing at 6’11”, His ability to stretch the floor as a shooter, protect the rim, and act as a defensive anchor in the paint makes him a natural successor to Poeltl. Unlike Poeltl, who was more of a traditional center, Collins offers a modern skill set that aligns with the NBA’s shift toward positionless basketball. His mobility and defensive instincts allow him to guard multiple positions, which will be key in the Spurs’ evolving system.
Popovich, known for maximizing players’ potential, sees in Collins a player who can fill multiple roles in the team’s rotation. Collins’ increased minutes and expanded role as the primary big man will not only provide him with more opportunities to showcase his versatility but also add balance to a roster that is gradually being shaped around Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ generational talent.
The Road to Stardom: Collins’ Journey
Collins’ path to becoming a key player in the Spurs’ system has been anything but straightforward. Drafted 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2017, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night, where he began his NBA journey. His tenure with the Blazers was marred by injuries, limiting his on-court production and growth during crucial developmental years.
In 2021, Collins signed with the Spurs, and though it took time for him to regain full form after recovering from multiple surgeries, he gradually began to show flashes of his untapped potential. Last season, Collins finally found stability, averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in just over 26 minutes of play, solidifying his role as a valuable contributor to the Spurs’ frontcourt.
Now, at 26, Collins is entering his prime, and the Spurs are banking on him to take a significant leap as both a leader and a contributor. With a clean bill of health and a growing confidence, Collins has been able to develop the consistency and efficiency Popovich demands from his players. His ability to space the floor, combined with his natural defensive instincts, makes him the perfect modern big man for Popovich’s system.
A Crucial Complement to Wembanyama
While the Spurs’ future is undoubtedly anchored by the phenom Victor Wembanyama, Collins’ role alongside him will be pivotal in ensuring the French sensation can maximize his strengths without being overwhelmed by the physicality of the NBA. Collins provides a safety net in the paint, giving Wembanyama the freedom to roam and utilize his unique skill set on both ends of the floor without shouldering all the defensive duties in the post.
Offensively, Collins’ ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting will help open lanes for Wembanyama and allow the Spurs to play more fluid, dynamic basketball. Collins shot a career-high 37% from deep last season, and his willingness to take and make perimeter shots will be crucial in opening up space for his teammates, particularly in an offense designed around movement and spacing.
The Popovich Blueprint
Gregg Popovich’s success in San Antonio has always been rooted in adaptability. Over his tenure, he has consistently adjusted his game plans and systems to fit the strengths of his roster. With Collins stepping into a more significant role, Popovich has yet another player who can excel in various roles, whether as a rim protector, a floor spacer, or even a playmaker from the post.
In many ways, Collins embodies the type of player Popovich thrives with—high IQ, selfless, and willing to do the dirty work. The Spurs’ new look, blending their young prospects like Wembanyama with more established talents like Collins, signals that San Antonio is preparing to compete sooner than many expected.
Looking Ahead
The addition of Zach Collins as a featured piece in the Spurs’ rotation marks a clear strategic shift for the franchise. Collins’ multifaceted skill set and his ability to seamlessly blend with the team’s young core could be the key to revitalizing the Spurs’ playoff hopes in the coming years. As San Antonio continues its transition into a new era under Popovich, the franchise’s long-standing philosophy of player development and versatility remains evident. Collins, with his newfound role, is now at the forefront of that strategy.
If he stays healthy and continues his upward trajectory, Collins may very well prove to be one of the most underrated moves of the offseason, giving the Spurs a crucial edge in their quest to return to prominence in the highly competitive Western Conference.
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