DALLAS – Zach Collins’ past year with the Chicago Bulls was primarily marked by his time off the court.
The former Gonzaga standout began the season recovering from a broken left wrist. After participating in 10 games, where he recorded nearly 10 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, Collins faced another setback with a sprained right toe that required surgery, ending his season in February.
‘Time for a Fresh Start’
At 28 years old and having just wrapped up his ninth NBA season, Collins plans to concentrate on his health and strength this summer after a year plagued by injuries.
“Being sidelined gave me some time to reflect,” he stated, having spent the last two seasons with the Bulls after previous stints in Portland (where he was the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft) and San Antonio. “There’s not much positive to draw from it. The sole positive I can focus on is how well I prepared last summer, coming in in great shape, and my improvements were visible in the games I played.”
Challenges of the Season
This season was tumultuous for the Bulls, characterized by significant trades at the deadline, the firing of their general manager and president of basketball operations, and culminating in the resignation of head coach Billy Donovan after finishing with a 31-51 record.
Collins expressed his enjoyment of playing under Donovan, who had been with the Bulls for six seasons. “His honesty stands out. Players and everyone in the organization know where they stand with him; he’s always clear about roles and expectations,” said Collins.
Proud Gonzaga Roots
Collins, the first McDonald’s All American to commit to Gonzaga, played only one season in Spokane, yet has strong ties to the program. He was part of the Zags team that narrowly lost to North Carolina in the 2017 NCAA championship game.
He was thrilled when Gonzaga coach Mark Few was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last month. “It was well-deserved, and I texted him immediately. He’s a legend, and I feel lucky to have played for him,” Collins remarked.
NBA Success Stories
Collins takes pride in witnessing fellow Zags excel in the NBA. He closely followed Ryan Nembhard’s near triple-double in the Mavericks’ season finale against the Bulls, where Nembhard set a rookie record for assists.
“The Nembhard brothers play with confidence and skill, and that combination is bound for success,” he commented. “It’s thrilling to see more Gonzaga players making their mark in the NBA.”
Anticipating Free Agency
With the Bulls entering a rebuilding phase, Collins may seek opportunities elsewhere. His previous free agency journey worked in his favor, landing a three-year, $22 million contract with the Spurs in August 2021.
This upcoming experience will differ significantly for him. “Last time was complicated due to COVID-19, which disrupted scheduling and communication,” Collins said. “I have reliable support, including a great agent, and I’ll lean on them this summer.”
Stephen Hunt is a freelance writer based in Frisco, Texas.
