Trail Blazers: An Update on Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, and Skal Labissiere

By Ryan Mandel | Jan 13, 2020

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 25: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Moda Center on March 25, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

As Jason Quick of the Athletic reported a few days ago, Zach Collins is on pace for a March return with the Blazers. As Quick said in his article, Collins is hoping to return to the court as a much more complete player and person. Over his last few months of rehab, he has spent much of his time meditating and reading books. During games, Collins has been extremely engaged with the team, and looks as if he is itching to get back on the court.

Just as with Nurkic, Collins’ return will be huge for the Blazers. He is an élite shot blocker and rim protector who can space the floor on offense, all while having an extremely high basketball IQ. In the three games he played this season, Collins looked to have made huge improvements over the summer, averaging 9 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, and 0.7 BLK per game, while shooting 43% on three-pointers. While those numbers may not jump off the page, anyone who watched Collins play this year knows that he effected dozens of shots and set very good screens in his limited action. Look for Zach to be doing a whole lot of this when he comes back…

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