Happy birthday to Zach Collins

Today is Zach Collins birthday.

Three years ago on his birthday, I wrote:

Zach Collins has yet to suit up and play with the San Antonio Spurs, but that was known before he arrived. His free agency signing, a 3-year/$22M contract, could be a steal if he heals and plays at the level expected.

The former Portland Trail Blazers big man re-fractured his foot last June. His value will definitely be tied to his rehabilitation. The length of the three-year deal offered a friendly team-option to the Spurs while securing Collins a paycheck during his recovery.

Two years ago, it was:

Collins has shown the Spurs a lot, but his latest injury just opened the door for Charles Bassey to take the spotlight. Will Collins lose time to Bassey, or have the Spurs found two big men to hold down the fort in the event of a Jakob Poeltl trade?

And last year, I said:

Well, Poeltl was traded and Collins is now the Spurs starter. He has a great three-point shot and is showing that his court awareness is honing. The Spurs are struggling, but Zach Collins has shown heart and in terms of Silver & Black, that goes a long way.

At the time, he was playing the five while Wemby occupied the four.

These days, Collins is coming off the bench with a rapidly gelling second unit.

When everyone is healthy, the bench including him, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson, is quite promising.

Today, Collins turns twenty-seven, which may appear a bit on the old side for this Spurs team. No matter, he is showing his value on the court and off in the community.

Happy birthday, Zach!

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