2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

Collins is averaging a more-than-solid 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in conference play this season, as he has showcased some immense improvements in his game after a freshman campaign that generated little notoriety on a national scale. At 6-10 with a solid frame and excellent athleticism around the basket, Collins still has some improvements to make skill-wise, but has certainly looked the part of a quality first rounder in recent weeks.

The Pistons — with little certainty in the frontcourt outside of Andre Drummond — can afford to add some more depth at the four spot, even with Henry Ellenson — last year’s mid-first round pick — waiting quietly in the wings.

Collins gives the Pistons another energetic presence on the boards, as well as somebody who has shown increasing utility as a finisher around the basket, both in the pick-and-roll and with an improved array of spin-moves and hook shots around the rim. He still has  work to do in regards to ironing out his game around the basket — some of his shots are a bit wonky at this point — but the footwork and the basis for improvement is already in place.

There’s also the potential that Collins provides as a mid-range pick-and-pop threat, as he’s hitting on 44.8 percent of his 2-point jumpers thus far, per Hoop-Math.com.

That aforementioned energy, though, is what is going to give Collins a successful career at the next level. He’s a quality shot blocker around the rim given his activity in rotations and his mobility when recovering off the dribble, while his rebounding has been among the best in the ACC — if not the best — for the better part of conference play. He’s a solid backup four man with some decent upside beyond that, someone Van Gundy and company wouldn’t mind taking at 17.