Gregg Popovich announced Saturday that veteran big Zach Collins will be the starting center of the San Antonio Spurs next season, per San Antonio Express-News’ Tom Orsborn.
“He’s made it. He’s going to be the guy at five for us,” Popovich said.
This declaration by Popovich can only mean that Collins, who got an unguaranteed $7.7 million for next season, will find his way back to the Spurs. The big man inked a three-year, $22 million contract with the club last 2021 offseason.
As pointed out by Orsborn, Collins excelled for San Antonio since the Jakob Poeltl trade took place last midseason, averaging 16.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 19 games. He also drained 39.2 percent from a three-point distance during that stretch.
In general, the center is much healthier this year, tallying 63 games played, and went on to start in 26 of them.
“He’s playing with abandon now, for a long time, for months,” Popovich added. “He’s added the three-point shot to his game, he’s balanced better on the post, he’s playing good defense.”
Exiting the season as one of worst teams in the league, the Spurs’ intent to commit to Collins as their starting center next campaign can only be enticing should they strike some luck to land the top pick on the upcoming draft and pick generational wonder Victor Wembanyama.
