Rhyme & Reason: How Zach Collins and Tre Jones 'Provide Stability' for Spurs Through Bench Unit

The San Antonio Spurs moved Zach Collins to the bench during their losing streak in yet another experimental move to try and foster positive on-court results, which ended up pairing the center with Tre Jones to form a duo that Gregg Popovich speaks highly of.

SAN ANTONIO — Zach Collins and Tre Jones stand on opposite ends of half-court an hour prior to tipoff against the Los Angeles Lakers. 

The two players don't tower over the company they're keeping in preparation for their contest — San Antonio's coaching staff brings height to the table — but they still stick out, dressed in the iconic white Spurs threads as they get practice shots up. 

Jones was working on his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers from the left corner while Collins worked on his post game off of entry passes, and while both practiced at the same time, they took care to not interfere with the other's shots. 

The pair displayed a level of chemistry ideal for two players with multiple years in San Antonio, which can be hard to attain in practice. Both were focused, locked in and ready to go. But they also knew they wouldn't be starting.

Together, they'd be coming off of the bench, though for two players with starting potential, that wasn't a bad thing.

"I love playing with Tre," Collins said eagerly when asked about the arrangement.

That's been absolutely apparent. 

Dec 1, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) brings the ball up court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center / © Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Starting the season as a starter, Collins was quickly introduced to a new lineup and new game plan. After San Antonio traded away Jakob Poeltl at the trade deadline, the former Portland Trail Blazer got a chance to tipoff at center court, but it looked vastly different for one main reason: the Spurs didn't have Victor Wembanyama.

With the 7-4 rookie, Collins has had the ability to play a true center role to allow Wembanyama offensive freedom. He's been tasked with defending the rim as well as crashing the glass, but while those are vital to team success, he hasn't been the anchor for San Antonio's first unit. 

He was simply a strong role player to enable Wembanyama. 

Perhaps that's what made the decision to bring him off the bench seem all too easy. Yes, he had proven himself, but not the point where his presence was undeniably needed in the starting lineup. After all, anyone can come off of the bench, right?

 "I ain't complaining, man," Collins said about his new role. "It's about trying to win games. Anytime you have a strong second unit, you have way more confidence taking the starters out and giving them rest. You know there's no drop-off on the bench.

 "That's been a formula here for a long time, especially when the Spurs were winning championships."

Being a source of instant offense was certainly a big part of Collins' success in the second unit. His ability to convert down low is an asset to any squad, especially with a pass-first point guard like Jones taking its helm. 

That alone was enough to earn Gregg Popovich's praise.

"He and Zach give us stability in that second group," the veteran coach said. "It gives us a rhyme or reason coming off the bench. ... And they've adapted. That's their job." 

Making the switch from starting to the bench was certainly an adjustment for Collins. Jones had the benefit of acclimating to the flow of the game as the Spurs' designated secondary point guard, but while he was watching from the bench, Collins was getting reps beside Wembanyama. 

November 24, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) during the second quarter at Chase Center / © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Collins learned to make his presence felt on the offensive end of things, especially in a post situation, and even though he'll be seeing significantly less time alongside his 19-year-old teammate, he'll still be looking to leave the same impact.

"Having more firepower coming off the bench is always going to help us take some relief off the starters," he said following the Spurs' loss to the Bulls. "Hopefully this — spacing-wise — will work a little better. I thought it was good."

Collins and Jones make a strong duo off the bench. Like he showed in Milwaukee, Collins still has the ability to be an impactful center as a first option. He can handle the burden of scoring when needed, but also being a experienced leader. He and Jones have numerous years under their belt, which only helps their case.

Allowing the center to take passes from the one true point guard on San Antonio's roster is certainly a strong pairing to bring in midway through the first quarter. It works for instant offense as well as continued production. 

It's working for Collins. The next step for the Spurs as a whole is to take his willing attitude and effort and translate it to practice, shoot-arounds and game action.

For all of the players.

“I'm just trying to bring the spark off the bench, [too]," Spurs forward Cedi Osman said of coming off of the bench. "I'm trying to make the right play. I’m just trying to bring the spark off the bench. ... I'm trying to do more." 

Having players to buy into a new rotation — sometimes several times a week — is of vital importance to Popovich. He might not speak much on it, but having a young team with several different answers to what seems to be the same question and mixing it with ego isn't a recipe for success. 

The Spurs have proven that's not the mindset they've adopted, however. Instead, they've rallied around each other and are willing to do what it takes to win.

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“It's always the mantra, especially for a young team," Popovich said of continuous effort throughout games. "Forty-eight minutes is a long time. [Specifically the Lakers]. they played a basketball game, they competed, made some pretty good decisions. Everybody makes mistakes, but in the second half, [we] competed and executed to win. So, I'm glad about that. I want to see how it carries over to Friday.”

The story remains unchanged. That Friday produced San Antonio's first win in 43 games. Jones was missing with an illness, and that was heavily felt by all of Frost Bank Center, who had the air sucked out of them as the second half wound down. But they got it done, and Collins was a part of that. 

Jones has since returned, and now, the Spurs are continuing to search for another win during a season riddled with the opposite result. It's not guaranteed, but it's certainly promising to have a duo like Collins and Jones as backup. And Collins knows it.

He's going to continue to do what he needs to do, regardless of whether he starts or not. And he'e hopeful for that. That's why he kept it simple regarding the Spurs' strong backup unit as of late. That's why he's ready to lock back in and earn another win.

"Hopefully, these lineups continue to work," he said. "Hopefully."