Zach Collins

Zach Collins Bio

Zach Collins is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft and was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night. During his earlier career with the team, he battled many injuries causing him to only play in 154 games in his first four seasons. He joined the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent in August 2021, where he played for four seasons before being traded to the Bulls in 2025.

Early Life and Background

Zach Collins was born on November 19, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He attended Bishop Gorman High School in Summerlin, Nevada, where he excelled in basketball. Collins helped lead his team to four consecutive state championships, showcasing his skills alongside fellow talented players. His senior year was particularly impressive, as he averaged 17.3 points, 14 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 6.4 blocked shots per game. This performance earned him several accolades, including the Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year award.

Path to Basketball

After a successful high school career, Zach Collins committed to Gonzaga University, where he played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2016-2017 season. As a freshman, he averaged 10 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. His standout performance in the national semifinal game of the 2017 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, where he recorded 14 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks, helped propel Gonzaga to its first national championship game. Following this successful season, Collins declared for the NBA draft.

Zach Collins Career

Early Career (2017–2021)

Zach Collins was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings but was immediately traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. He signed with the Trail Blazers on July 3, 2017. Unfortunately, his early career was marred by injuries, including surgeries on his left labrum and a stress fracture in his left foot, which limited his playing time significantly. Despite these setbacks, Collins managed to play in 154 games over four seasons with the Trail Blazers.

Breakthrough (2021–2025)

In August 2021, Collins signed with the San Antonio Spurs, marking a new chapter in his career. He made his Spurs debut on February 4, 2022, and quickly began to find his rhythm, averaging nearly 12 points per game during the 2022-2023 season. His performance peaked with a notable game on February 10, 2023, where he scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. On October 22, 2023, Collins signed a two-year contract extension with the Spurs worth $35 million.

Notable Works and Milestones

Collins’ signature achievements include being named to the Second-team All-West Coast Conference and the WCC All-Freshman Team in 2017, as well as being a McDonald’s All-American in 2016. His career has been defined by resilience in the face of injuries and a strong work ethic that has allowed him to contribute significantly to his teams.

Zach Collins Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Zach Collins has received several nominations and accolades, including recognition for his performances in college basketball and the NBA.

Zach Collins Awards Won

Zach Collins has achieved notable awards during his basketball career, including being named to the Second-team All-West Coast Conference and the WCC All-Freshman Team. His recognition as a McDonald’s All-American further highlights his talent and potential in the sport.