With Injuries to Frontcourt Players Increasing, Bulls’ Zach Collins Embraces His Chance<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always admired Zach as a player,\u201d coach Billy Donovan said. \u201cHe just wasn\u2019t healthy early in his career. But with his physicality, screening, and defensive presence in pick-and-rolls, it\u2019s great to see him back at full strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
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By Kyle Williams<\/p>\n
Bulls vs. 76ers Basketball<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls\u2019 Zach Collins, left, attempts a shot over Philadelphia 76ers\u2019 Andre Drummond during the second half of an NBA game on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
Bulls center Zach Collins is an imposing figure, standing a full 6-foot-11 with strong passing abilities to complement his size.<\/p>\n
Collins\u2019 mix of physicality and grit is essential for a team that carries eight guards, particularly with Nikola Vucevic sidelined due to a calf strain being managed cautiously and Jalen Smith still recovering from a concussion. Collins, who posted 21 points, 17 rebounds, and seven assists in the Bulls\u2019 122-117 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday, is now the only fully healthy big man left.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been in and out of the lineup all year, so now I get all the minutes I want,\u201d Collins said. \u201cOur team isn\u2019t as strong without those guys, so it\u2019s not just about me. We all need to step up. Without [Vucevic], there are a lot of points and rebounds available, and we have to fill that gap.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his time with the Spurs, Collins had a limited role, averaging just 11.8 minutes over 36 games. However, he didn\u2019t allow the lack of playing time to deter him. Instead, he spent extra hours in the gym, staying ready in case his opportunity came.<\/p>\n
The Bulls mark Collins\u2019 third NBA stop, but this trade deadline was the first time he was moved midseason. With the All-Star break occurring so close to the trade deadline, it\u2019s been a hectic transition.<\/p>\n
To adapt quickly, Collins has been studying the Bulls\u2019 playbook to familiarize himself with their terminology. His transition was eased by Tre Jones\u2014his former Spurs teammate\u2014who also arrived in the three-team Zach LaVine trade.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing over with a guy I\u2019ve played with for four years and gotten close to made it all much easier,\u201d Collins said. \u201cWe shared the same ride to the airport, the same flights, media sessions, medical checkups, extra reps after practice\u2014learning plays, learning everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
With injuries forcing Collins into a significant role, he also needs to build chemistry with his new teammates and understand their playing styles.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing thrown into this situation can feel awkward at times, trying to get to know everyone\u2019s personality\u2014especially on the court\u2014and figuring out how they play,\u201d Collins said. \u201cReps are what help the most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Collins\u2019 best NBA season came in 2022-23, when he set career highs in points (11.6), rebounds (6.4), and minutes (22.9). But beyond statistics, he\u2019s known for his physicality\u2014a trait the Bulls value highly. He also contributes on the boards.<\/p>\n
At 27, Collins credits his tough style of play to his upbringing. His parents raised him to be resilient, and his coaches always pushed him with intensity. Watching old-school basketball also shaped his approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always admired Zach as a player,\u201d coach Billy Donovan said. \u201cHe just wasn\u2019t healthy early in his career. But with his physicality, screening, and defensive presence in pick-and-rolls, it\u2019s great to see him back at full strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
If the Bulls aim to become a consistent playoff contender, they\u2019ll need players with Collins\u2019 mentality.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a part of my game and my skill set\u2014it\u2019s why I\u2019ve been able to contribute to teams before,\u201d Collins said. \u201cIf you look at the top teams every year, they\u2019re always physical. No matter how talented they are, there\u2019s a level of toughness and physicality that\u2019s required to win difficult games.\u201d<\/p>\n
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With Injuries to Frontcourt Players Increasing, Bulls’ Zach Collins Embraces His Chance \u201cI\u2019ve always admired Zach as a player,\u201d coach Billy Donovan said. \u201cHe just wasn\u2019t healthy early in his career. But with his physicality, screening, and defensive presence in pick-and-rolls, it\u2019s great to see him back at full strength.\u201d By Kyle Williams Bulls […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[994],"tags":[2728],"class_list":["post-26982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chicago-bulls","tag-zach-collins"],"yoast_head":"\n