Spurs' Zach Collins Provides Encouraging Update About His Debut

The San Antonio Spurs could see Zach Collins hit the court for them as early as next week if he's right about his return timeline.

Making his return to the hardwood for the Austin Spurs on Tuesday, the 6-11 power forward/center scored eight points and dished out two assists in a win. It was a welcome sight for Spurs fans that have long anticipated his debut in San Antonio.

Zach Collins to Josh Primo for THREE!!!?@spurs | @zcollins_33 | @JoshuaPrimo4 pic.twitter.com/dVCeZIjN0q
— Austin Spurs (@austin_spurs) January 17, 2022

Following the game, Collins provided an update about what he believes the plan for his return looks like.

Zach Collins said he "believes" the plan is for him to play one more game with Austin on Friday.

"Then after that, if that goes well, and the ankle responds to that well, then I should be going back up (to the Spurs)," he said.
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 18, 2022

As Collins shared with the media, he expects to play one more game in Austin on Friday as they take on the Memphis Hustle at 8:30 pm ET. This hints that he won't travel to Edinburg for Wednesday's road game against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The feedback from Zach was encouraging after his 19 minutes with the San Antonio's G League affiliate.

Zach said he wasn't really concerned about the ankle during the game and was able to push himself:

"I definitely got more comfortable with my body more in the second half. But I definitely didn't feel (the ankle) like it was holding me back at all."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 18, 2022

Collins hasn't seen NBA action since August 2020, when he helped the Portland Trail Blazers go 6-2 in the Orlando bubble before an injury had him sidelined for those playoffs. Now, he and the rest of the Spurs are excited for what he can bring when he finally makes his debut.

"We are going to be welcoming him with open arms," said Keldon Johnson. "He’s got that grit, that tenacity. He’s mean, he has attitude. We are looking forward to playing with him." Johnson also revealed the entire team plus Gregg Popovich were watching Collins' Austin debut before their game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

The Spurs have been missing toughness and length down low, so the return of Collins should pay immediate dividends. Hopefully, Sunday or Tuesday will finally be the day the entire roster is healthy for the first time all year.

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