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Blazers: Who should Zach Collins be studying in quarantine?

By Ryan Gaskin

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 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)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Serge Ibaka

I absolutely LOVE this comparison for Zach Collins. Serge Ibaka, now 30 years of age, has been excelling off the bench for Toronto this season, averaging 16 and 8 in around 27 minutes.

Ibaka has kept himself useful for the Raptors, but at his defensive peak, Ibaka was in Oklahoma, and this is the film Collins needs to be watching the most.

In his Oklahoma City Thunder years, Ibaka averaged 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and most impressively, 2.5 blocks. In 2011-12, Ibaka averaged 3.7 blocks on the year, in what was his best defensive season.

In the video above, Ibaka had 5 blocks, a stat line I can picture Collins having in a big playoff game. Collins is already a very good rim protector, and watching Ibaka can help him take the next step.

Ibaka on the offensive end is also a nice player comp for Collins; his mid-range is smooth, he can the pick and pop well, he’s tough on the inside, and for the Raptors, he’s been shooting the three-ball terrifically. (39.8 percent)

If Collins can get to Ibaka’s level, it’s a win for the Portland Trail Blazers, and improving these strengths will be critical for Collins’ development.