Zach Collins is the Portland Trail Blazers playoff “Wild Card”
If Portland Trail Blazers forward Zach Collins can make it back from his ankle injury, he could be the “Wild Card” this team needs for the playoffs.
Zach Collins is the Portland Trail Blazers forgotten man. His ankle fracture in the Orlando bubble was the first domino to fall in a rash of Portland injuries that led to the team’s elimination. Because of his history, some Rip City fans have come to label Collins as “injury-prone” and “bust.”
Not so fast. Collins can still end up being a player that can make an impact. Especially in a gritty playoff series where a single block or rebound makes the difference.
When healthy, Collins is an above-average defender, which this team still needs desperately. He has the height and fortitude to defend down low while still having the lateral quickness to stay in front of quicker perimeter players.
Collins shoots the three-ball at a higher percentage than either Jusuf Nurkic or Enes Kanter, making him a nice option to have in a playoff series. He can also handle himself in the low post. His skill set works very well when the Blazers face an opponent with a slower center they can exploit.
Additionally, Collins is a better fit at the “four” than Robert Covington. His return allows RoCo to play on the wing, where he is more comfortable. Covington can be the effective 3-and-D player Portland traded for at last year’s
The best option
Once the team struck out trying to acquire Aaron Gordon from Orlando then made the trade to acquire Norman Powell, they decided to keep Collins. There weren’t other players on the market that would have been an upgrade over the former Gonzaga star.
I think Blazers General Manager Neil Olshey believes Collins will be back this year. A good indicator came last weekend when Collins was seen in the Moda Center without a walking boot. Next up for Zach is rehabilitation and getting back into game shape.
If Olshey didn’t think Collins could help the team, then the GM would have moved Collins’ expiring contract to another team for an able-bodied big man at the deadline. His journey with the Portland Trail Blazers isn’t over yet.
Something to prove
Collins has every incentive to show his very best. As a pending restricted free agent, he’s playing for his next contract. Not only does a good showing lead to a bigger payday, but it also wins back some of the disappointed fans.
Related Story: 5 post-deadline goals for the Portland Trail Blazers
Zach Collins is not wearing his walking boot tonight. He had been wearing one on his left foot since having the revision surgery at the end of Dec.
— Jamie Hudson (@JamieHudson_) April 3, 2021
Do you think Zach Collins can help the Portland Trail Blazers in this year’s playoffs? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.