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NBA Draft: The Zach Collins breakdown

By Minh Dao

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Piecing the Puzzle

Rosters are not made in June. They aren’t even made in July or October.

Fans that are concerned about the frontcourt logjam have nothing to worry about. There is plenty of time for Olshey to tinker with the player list. The Blazers had limited resources to call upon in terms of their player acquisition vehicles (FA, trades, draft).

Olshey saw an opportunity to climb the draft and acquire a blue-chip prospect. After the top 11, the talent and potential level dipped dramatically. Would a guy like Justin Patton or John Collins be available at 15? Sure. But do they have the same upside and attitude as Zach Collins? The answer is no.

Collins may face some growing pains in his first season (or two), but down the road, he has the highest ceiling out of the aforementioned prospects — that is exactly what the Blazers need. Portland is short on cash, limiting their free agent flexibility. For a small market team (who has struggled to make lucrative signings), you have to ask yourself: why not?

If anyone is still concerned, look at Olshey’s draft record: Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and second round gems Allen Crabbe and Will Barton.