Fansided

2017 FanSided NBA Network Mock Draft: Let the experts decide

By Staff

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts after scoring a basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts after scoring a basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Zach Collins

Center, Gonzaga

The Heat already have Hassan Whiteside at center, and are expected to prioritize re-signing James Johnson who could be the starting power forward next season, but they don’t have much depth beyond that. Zach Collins has the skills to play both the four and five, and can slide in as Miami’s combo big behind the starters. Collins is a two-way player who will be able to rebound and defend right away. His versatility will allow him to defend opposing power forwards or centers, depending on where the Heat play him. He also showed some shooting potential at Gonzaga, and should develop into a nice pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop player.

While he’s not the best athlete, he shows good feel for the game. Not yet 20 years old, that should continue to improve. Collins isn’t like Whiteside, but that could be a good thing. Whiteside is a great rim protector, but he isn’t versatile, and is somewhat limited in today’s game. Collins isn’t as physically gifted or dominant, but he could allow the Heat to with different looks both offensively and defensively. If he develops properly, he could make Whiteside and his max contract expenable. For now, though, Collins is both insurance against free agents leaving in free agency, and depth behind key positions.

— Wes Goldberg, All U Can Heat, @allucanheat1