NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 16: Lonzo Ball to the Lakers

Gonzaga’s Zach Collins is a new addition to these mock drafts based on his steady performance in a bench role for the No. 1 team in the country. Although he is averaging just 17.4 minutes per game, the freshman is a statistical monster, posting 24.4 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per 40 minutes on a 71.3 true shooting percentage. Those numbers combined with his youth and obvious role in the NBA make him a very reasonable first round pick should he choose to enter the draft after this season.

In particular, Collins has been very efficient as the roll man in high ball screens, scoring 1.51 points per possession (97th percentile), per Synergy Sports. He is an effortless and fluid athlete who can play above the rim and has nice hands for catching passes from his teammates. Collins is also capable posting up where he’s at his best either facing up his man and taking a jumper or shooting a right-handed hook shot. His lack of strength does betray him at times as he’s not often able to back defenders into great position.

Defensively, Collins has shown excellent potential. He’s a good rim protector who uses his length and athleticism to challenge shots. He’s also shown himself capable of getting down into a stance and defending along the perimeter. Gonzaga is often comfortable switching him or using him to trap ball-handlers against ball screens.

Big men who show the type of defensive versatility that Collins has a freshman to go with a very obvious role player skill set are the type of prospects who are valued in the NBA right now at the center position. Collins may ultimately be a late riser up draft boards, but he’s a deserving one.