Why is it time to move on from Collins?

[DaVoiceMaster]

Why is it time to move on? Cuz he can't stay healthy and can't be relied upon. Either trade him for his replacement or keep him as a back up, but it's time to find a new starting PF.

[HoopsFanAZ]

Why is it time to move on? Cuz he can't stay healthy and can't be relied upon. Either trade him for his replacement or keep him as a back up, but it's time to find a new starting PF.

If another team saw value in him despite that he "can't stay healthy" and gave up something of value ("his replacement"), then they are betting that he will be significantly better than what they are sending out ... since he's not currently healthy ... or hasn't stayed that way. Not exactly selinng high for the Blazers.

Since Collins doesn't cost much, comparatively, and since any upcoming extension decisions are not YET based on reliable health and play (even though he has shown growth, physically and game in a small sample size), then Collins future $$$ are currently depressed. IF he signs for lower $$$ and IF he gets consistently healthy, that's a win for the Blazers.

1. Next year is a HUGE year for Collins and his future earnings.

2. The forward positions are not settled. Carmelo (UFA), Hood (p-opt and rehabbing Achilles), Collins (not yet healthy), Ariza (team option), Hezonja (p-opt), Gabriel (qual. offer and pending development), Little (development) ... to one degree or another, ALL are pending. There is talent and hope and ... Good luck, Mr. Olshey.

3. Where the draft is an opportunity to get a starting SF, the uncertainty at both forward spots, backup center, and backup PG ... well, that's about everything except SG -- CJ and GTJ -- and CJ trade proposals are unlikely to cease. I guess that leaves BPA and TIERS in the draft.

[red_power]

Can blazers just waive him and get rid of his salary?
Because playing around 5 mln per year for a below average role player who simply can stay healthy sounds like a luxury to me.

Kind of luxury that a team supposed to be looking for a deep playoffs run can't afford. Especially when Blazers already have a dire cap situation and around 10 mln in unperforming commitments (Hood and stretched deals).

[Norm2953]

Zach has one more year on his rookie deal to prove himself for if he has another injury riddled season,
they might just let him test free agency.

[GEE]

Zach has one more year on his rookie deal to prove himself for if he has another injury riddled season,
they might just let him test free agency.

This is how I feel as well, but have no doubt, if used properly, he could track to being better than an Olynyk but not as good as Sabonis, and have many of you eating your words.

[Blazers20]

Olynyk is much better than Zach

[Blazers20]

Brandon Clarke is multiple tiers better than Zach

[zzaj]

Olynyk is much better than Zach

Brandon Clarke is multiple tiers better than Zach

And Michael Jordan is a better basketball player than Nolan Smith. What's your point? Scratch that...I think I know your point.

At least edit the title of your thread to "Why it is time to move on from Collins" since that's what you are obviously interested in. And while you're at it, since you think he's so terrible why don't you come up with some reasonable upgrade solutions instead of just a bunch of one sentence posts...

[Blazers20]

Collins-Little-2020 pick for Lauri
Collins-Little-2020 pick for John Collins
Or maybe just trade him for a second round pick, his value is rock bottom

[zzaj]

Collins-Little-2020 pick for Lauri
Collins-Little-2020 pick for John Collins
Or maybe just trade him for a second round pick, his value is rock bottom

1) No thanks. CHI would likely say "no" anyway.

2) No chance in hell JC is going to be had for that.

3) No thanks. He has more value than a 2nd round pick.

[GEE]

Look ya'll, I've adored Collins' game since seeing him at Gonzaga, and strangely, I proposed weeks before the exact trade idea on this forum, that ended up getting Zach in Portland. I will remain a believer in him for one more year. That's where I stand. But he needs to get his body right, and not play the C for at least a few more years. It's not helping his physical health to be banging in the paint with the likes of Dwight Howard. The PFs, sure, but he should stay light and quick IMO. Bulk will kill his real game which is being a true stretch 4.

Draft Jalen Smith as a PF replacement for 2-3 years from now as insurance. He'd fit great with what we already have in the farm: Simons / GTJ / Little / Gabriel / Smith. Looking at this, plus a likely starting unit of Dame / CJ / ??? / Collins / Nurkic. Definitely bring Melo back as more insurance.

Point is, we won't be lacking talent, like the Stott's apologists will lead on to as our biggest problem. Collins' ability to stay healthy IS a concern, but not a top priority. Better coaching IMO, should be.

[Epicurus]

Your comment well shows why Stotts' apologists legitimately exist.

[DaVoiceMaster]

I'm sorry.

[BlazersRizing]

Brandon Clarke is so damn good compared to Collins. he'd be a difference maker on this team.