I'm not sure Zach will reach that certified level. He's going to be solid on defense for sure, but again, he'll have issues on the perimeter. His offense is so-so, at best, but if he can develop a consistent 3 point shot, he'd bring more to the floor
Its all projection right now. I was ready to label him a mini-bust if he didn't produce at adequate starter level this season, but that injury threw any potential judgement off. I am a fan of the 3 year rule with rookies, and this was Zach's year to establish himself as a competent starter or get the mini-bust label of 'only' adequate bench big. Its just too soon IMO. We all judge in different ways and if you think 2 years is enough sample size, that's fair.
I have always been a proponent of Zach at PF, but never full time. I like the idea of him there 12mpg and playing center the other 12-16. The idea of paying Hassan throws a wrench in that plan, as he and Nukic clearly would eat all 48 minutes. Zach at PF for 12 minutes a game is passable. But as a full time PF, for 24-30mpg? That's going to be a harder play IMO.
This is going to be a very interesting offseason. We may let Hassan walk and it may be for a trio of reasons IMO (Money, potential disruption once relegated to the bench, lack of C minutes for Zach). We may also let Melo walk (Age, defense) or loose him despite our wishes (Ring chase). That would leave us:
G - Damian Lillard
G - CJ McCollum / Gary Trent Jr / Anfernee Simons
F - Trevor Ariza / Nassir Little / Mario Hezonja
F - Zach Collins
C - Jusuf Nurkic / (Zach Collins)
IR - Rodney Hood
With only the MLE, BAE, vet min contracts, 2020FPR, 2020SRP to fill all those holes.
NOTE: I don't list Nassir at PF because the dude is 6'5. He may have some minutes there right now due to lack of perimeter comfort, but if he becomes a playoff caliber rotation guy, its coming at SF or its not coming at all. This may make a NBA ready player like Obi Toppen very appealing to us. He can come in and score points at backup PF from day 1. But, jesus is that team young.