Blazers: Who should Zach Collins be studying in quarantine?

Pau Gasol

I toyed with the idea of Marc Gasol instead here, mainly for his defensive presence, but Pau Gasol’s Laker highlights made too much sense.

The Spaniard’s feel for the game was sensational, and is something that can help Collins immensely. Whether it was passing out of the high post, finishing inside, or even running a fast break, Gasol was elite.

Gasol’s Laker days are great to watch for Collins because he maximized an elite guard’s play — Kobe Bryant. His decision making was almost always perfect, and his chemistry with Kobe was the main reason the Lakers went all the way.

Collins developing a similar on-court chemistry with Lillard could be huge for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Play No. 9 is a nice example here. Gasol and Kobe know exactly what’s going to happen, complete the screen and roll perfectly, and Gasol converts a three-point play.

Gasol averaged 3.5 assists as a Los Angeles Laker, but his playmaking was critical, and he knew how to bring his scoring guard into play. Collins has two of these in his case (Lillard and McCollum), and being able to give them opportunities from a high-post position should be critical for his development.

I’ve highlighted Gasol’s ‘feel’ for the game as my main point here, but his scoring and footwork are also factors for Collins to watch. For Collins to be a championship factor for the Portlan Trail Blazers, he has to learn how to get the best out of Damian Lillard, and develop strong chemistry with him.