For years, the Chicago Bulls have grappled with uncertainty in their big-man rotation. While Nikola Vucevic has anchored the starting center position with consistency since joining the team, the backup center role has been a revolving door of names—Jalen Smith, Andre Drummond, Tony Bradley, Tristan Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and more. Each brought their own strengths, but none provided the long-term stability Chicago desperately needed. That is, until now. Enter Zach Collins, the bruising, versatile big man who has emerged as the Bulls’ secret weapon in the frontcourt, ready to make opponents tremble in the 2025–26 season.
A Game-Changing Arrival
Last season’s trade deadline marked a turning point for the Bulls. In a blockbuster three-team deal that sent star guard Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, Chicago acquired Collins, alongside Tre Jones and Kevin Huerter, reshaping their roster with depth and versatility. While the departure of LaVine dominated headlines, it was Collins who quietly stole the show, proving himself as the reliable frontcourt option the Bulls had been searching for.
In his 28 games with Chicago to close out the 2024–25 season, Collins made an immediate impact. Averaging 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in just under 20 minutes per game, the 27-year-old showcased a physical, hard-nosed style that set him apart from his predecessors. His ability to knock down threes when needed, combined with his relentless presence around the rim, quickly earned him the trust of head coach Billy Donovan and the front office. By season’s end, Collins had overtaken Jalen Smith as the primary backup center, bringing a level of consistency and energy that had been missing from Chicago’s second unit.
The Interior “Monster”
What makes Collins a true “monster” in the paint? It’s his unique blend of physicality, versatility, and basketball IQ. Standing at 6’11” and built like a linebacker, Collins plays with a tenacity that overwhelms opponents. His bruising style is complemented by a balanced skill set that allows him to thrive in multiple roles. Whether he’s banging bodies in the post, protecting the rim, or stepping out for a pick-and-pop three, Collins brings a dynamic presence that elevates Chicago’s frontcourt.
Defensively, Collins is a force. Ranking in the 82nd percentile in rim defense with a 2.8 percent block rate last season, he’s not just a shot-blocker but a disruptor who impacts plays with his activity and mobility. His willingness to contest every shot and battle for every rebound makes him the ideal complement to Vucevic, who, while skilled offensively, isn’t known for elite rim protection. Collins’ ability to guard multiple positions and switch in pick-and-roll situations adds a layer of defensive flexibility that Chicago has lacked for years.
On the offensive end, Collins is equally impressive. His 67.3 percent shooting from inside the arc during his stint with the Bulls last season would have ranked sixth in the NBA over a full season. His ability to operate in pick-and-pop actions with guards like Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones gives Chicago’s bench unit a new dimension. Collins isn’t just a banger—he’s a skilled big who can stretch the floor, facilitate from the high post, and dominate in the paint when needed.
The Perfect Fit for Chicago
Collins may not be a superstar, but he’s the quintessential jack-of-all-trades center who excels in every facet of the game. His versatility allows Donovan to pair him with virtually any frontcourt partner, creating lineups that blend toughness, rim protection, and spacing. Whether he’s anchoring the second unit or playing alongside Vucevic in small-ball lineups, Collins brings a level of stability that Chicago hasn’t seen in its backup bigs for years.
Injuries have been the only hurdle in Collins’ career, limiting his consistency in previous seasons. However, when healthy, he’s proven he can be a game-changer as a role player. His strong second-half performance with the Bulls last season showed what he’s capable of when given a consistent role and a clean bill of health. If he can stay injury-free in the 2025–26 season, Collins has the potential to become one of Chicago’s most valuable reserves.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the Bulls look to build on their retooled roster, Zach Collins stands out as the interior “monster” they’ve been missing. His combination of physicality, defensive prowess, and offensive versatility makes him the perfect fit for a team aiming to compete in the Eastern Conference. Opponents will have to brace themselves for the relentless energy and bruising presence of Chicago’s new secret weapon. With Collins backing up Vucevic, the Bulls’ frontcourt is no longer a question mark—it’s a strength that could propel them to new heights in the 2025–26 season.