2017 NBA Mock Draft: The 76ers lock up a point guard
By Chris Stone
Learn more about John Collins at The Step Back."
> 
20
John Collins
PF, Wake Forest
The Portland Trail Blazers have a trio of first round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft and while they have a number of big men already on the roster, they need to bring in a new crop who can actually give them some production. So, with UCLA’s Ike Anigbogu already in the fold, Portland snags a more NBA ready big in Wake Forest’s John Collins at No. 20.
Collins averaged 28.8 points and 14.4 rebounds per 40 minutes during his sophomore season, but it’s important to remember that he was basically he age of a freshman during that campaign. Collins scored in a variety of ways for the Demon Deacons, but much of his production came on post ups and offensive rebounds, two play types that are fading out of style in the modern NBA. However, Collins projects to be a solid dive man out of pick-and-roll and he can score well running the floor in transition.
Collins still needs to improve significantly on the defensive end, which is why his best role in the NBA may be as a bench player who can dominate second units on the offense. He lacks the length and feel to be impactful around the rim right now.