Last season, Zach Collins played a grand total of just 11 games for the Portland Trail Blazers. He was dealing with a couple of major injuries throughout the campaign, which forced him to an extended spell on the sidelines. Despite his forgettable season, however, it turns out that the 6-foot-11 big man is still a coveted trade target.
ESPN's Zach Lowe actually listed Collins as one of his five most intriguing players for the upcoming season, and according to the NBA insider, opposing teams are very much interested in trading for the 23-year-old:
It is a testament to Collins’ work ethic, likability, and potential that the same plotline has not befallen him after he lost last season to shoulder surgery and then ankle surgery. Other teams have called, assuming Collins is Portland’s main trade chip. Portland’s veterans are fine waiting longer — waiting to see if Collins becomes the rare 7-footer who shoots 3s and protects the rim.
Collins actually made an impact for Portland during the very limited time he was able to take the court. In 11 games played, the incoming fourth-year big man averaged 7.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 26.4 minutes per game.
It remains to be seen if Portland intends to keep Collins on board or if the front office ends up using him as a valuable trade asset in a potential deal. Either way, the Blazers seem to have a gem in Collins, and the former 10th overall pick could be in line for a breakout 2020-21 campaign once he's healthy. As of right now, the youngster is still recovering from ankle surgery.
Follow Us
Subscribe