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2017 NBA Draft: Five best fits for Gonzaga big man Zach Collins

By Doug Winkey

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) drives to the basket against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) 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
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) drives to the basket against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) 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 /
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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) is defended by South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) is defended by South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder have the 21st pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but they would be foolish not to think about trading up for a shot at someone like Collins. Neither Steven Adams nor Enes Kanter look like knockout centers right now. Collins would be a long-term upgrade over both, play next to another former Bulldog in Domantas Sabonis, and have the pleasure of working with All-Star Russell Westbrook.

OKC also has one of the best young coaches in the league in Billy Donovan. Moving one of their two existing big men for a shot at Collins and a shooter could help the Thunder get back into the real thick of things in the Western Conference.

The Thunder have a lot of needs right now, as the only locked in piece for the future is Russell Westbrook. Collins would bring a defensive presence on the interior and would give the Thunder franchise a piece to work with for the future, as they are still behind the Warriors and Spurs (and more teams likely) in terms of the possibilities to get out of the Western Conference. Thinking a few years down the road makes sense.

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