2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery

By Chris Stone | May 18, 2017

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 /

Zach Collins

C, Gonzaga

Draft status: In with an agent

This would likely be considered a slight fall for Gonzaga’s Zach Collins, but it would put him in an interesting position as a backup center in Miami until the franchise decides where its long-term future lies with Hassan Whiteside who is already 27-years old.

Collins is a really talented 7-footer who averaged just over 17 minutes per game this season because of the depth in the Bulldogs’ frontcourt. However, his numbers during that time on the floor — 23.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per 40 minutes on a 70.3 true shooting percentage — were ridiculously impressive. Collins fits the mold of a modern center. He can dive to the rim in pick-and-roll, post up against smaller opponents and even has a developing 3-point shot.

Collins’ defense, though, is even better than his offense. He averaged 4.1 blocks per 40 minutes as a freshman and has a great understanding of verticality around the rim. At this point, he’s probably the best shot blocker in the draft. Collins also has the lateral mobility to stick with guards for a few slides on the perimeter. If Whiteside — despite his long-term contract — starts to decline, Collins should be able to fill in quite nicely.