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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 25: Lakers at No. 1, Knicks at No. 2

By Chris Stone

Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tory Miller (14) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Colorado Buffaloes guard Dominique Collier (15) watches the play at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tory Miller (14) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Colorado Buffaloes guard Dominique Collier (15) watches the play at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) dunks the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) during the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) dunks the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) during the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Zach Collins

C, Gonzaga

Lottery odds: 0.8 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

The idea of sending Gonzaga’s Zach Collins to the Charlotte Hornets is an attractive one. The franchise needs a long-term solution at the center spot and could have quite a few good options at the guard and wing positions assuming they bring back some of their pieces from this season.

Collins has all of the tools to be a modern big man. He is the best rim protector left in the draft after Texas A&M’s Robert Williams opted to forgo the process and return to school. The 19-year old averaged 4.1 blocks per 40 minutes and has a great understanding of verticality, which allows him to challenge shots even when he doesn’t get a hand on them. Collins is also mobile enough laterally to slide with guards on the perimeter or on drives and cut off penetration lanes. That versatility could allow him to be a defensive rock in the NBA.

Offensively, Collins was ridiculously efficient in the minutes he played for the Bulldogs. He averages 23.2 points per 40 minutes largely on the back of posts ups, a staple of Gonzaga’s offense. However, Collins was also an effective roll man and has good energy on the offensive boards. He even has a developing 3-point shot that could one day become a real weapon in the league.