Gregg Popovich Reveals Spurs Starting Center for Next Season

Zach Collins has added to the San Antonio Spurs' frontline and will reap the reward for his improved play as a newly named starter for next season.

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins has produced a consistent string of strong performances down the stretch of this NBA season that have earned him a starter's promotion in 2023-24.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reportedly named Collins the lead five man for next year:

“He’s made it. He’s going to be the guy at five for us," Popovich said.

Collins has come into his own in his sixth go-round in the league. After making a name for himself as a floor-spacing center with great instincts around the rim on both sides of the ball while a Portland Trail Blazer, Collins has had a career campaign thus far in San Antonio.

Since the noted Poeltl trade, Collins has averaged 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists as well as 1.1 blocks and steals per contest. Shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from three has helped his case further.

Now Collins' run with the first five could be short-lived. The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery is fast approaching and San Antonio will own 14 percent odds at landing the No. 1 overall pick -- tied for the highest odds available.

The incumbent top selection -- French phenom Victor Wembanyama -- stands at 7-4 as a unicorn of a player. While his height suggests he'd play the center, that does not have to be the case should San Antonio win the luck of the draw. 

Wembanyama's unfathomable ability to shoot from outside, create his own shot off the dribble and recover on the perimeter over smaller defenders has presented the basketball world with a player we've never seen before. He has the skill set to play the power forward or vice versa with Collins without leaving any offensive or defensive doubts.

As it stands, Collins is the guy, and has the support of his coaches and teammates such as Tre Jones, merited by his strong two-way play.

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