2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Player Profile:

“Collins has been a big riser as of late. The 6-10 junior with a lengthy wingspan doesn’t boast the most refined offensive game yet, but utilizes exceptional athletic tools around the basket to produce in several different ways. He’s a bouncy lob target around the rim and mobile enough to slip out to the perimeter and run the pick-and-roll. He also has gradually added a mid-range jumper to his game. While he’s not hitting at a gaudy percentage on 2-point jumpers yet — 41.7, per Hoop-Math.com — it’s certainly a promising trend for a big with his mobility. Collins also blocks shots at a high clip, and has the lateral quickness needed to switch onto the perimeter without being totally over-matched. He’s a promising athlete to gamble on.” — 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0.1.

Outside Opinion:

“He is an excellent offensive rebounder, pulling down 16.3 percent of his team’s misses when he’s on the floor. Under the tutelage of Danny Manning, Collins has also developed a solid post scoring game and has the versatility to become a good face up scorer. Those two things have allowed him to draw fouls at a high rate as a sophomore. Collins isn’t really much of a passer, but his ability to score and his physical tools make him a solid offensive piece.

On defense, Collins’ biggest concern is simply staying on the court. Although he’s toned down the number of fouls he’s committing this season, he’s still in foul trouble against talented opponents far too often. When he does stay on the court, though, Collins makes a major impact. He has a defensive rebound rate of 25.7 percent that is one of the best in the class. He also has been able to use his length to be a productive shot blocker, posting a 7.5 percent block rate.” — Chris Stone in FanSided’s NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 14.

Team Fit:

The Nuggets are in need of some long term reassurance at the power forward spot alongside Nikola Jokic, and Collins makes some sense here. While he’s not quite this high in my personal rankings quite yet, he’s a bouncy athlete with a penchant for rebounding and a high defensive ceiling — something that will draw a lot of scouts’ attention as the draft nears.

His offensive game is also expanding this season, where his mid-range jumper and improved face-up play has become a legitimate part of his repertoire on that side of the ball. This is a Denver team that likes to the push the pace, and Collins gives them a chance to do so while still balancing out some of Jokic’s defensive deficiencies.

There’s reason behind taking such a gamble.