Blazers’ Collins on Injury Recovery, ‘I haven’t had any setbacks’

Trail Blazers big man Zach Collins could be on the verge of putting his nightmarish 2019-20 season behind him. Due to a combination of shoulder and foot injuries, the former Gonzaga standout was limited to just 11 regular season last season.

With the new season just weeks away, The Athletic’s Jason Quick spoke with Collins about how he is recovering from surgery that repaired a malleolus stress fracture of his left ankle. Collins explained that he isn’t ready commit to a timeline for his return, but he did mention that he is happy with the progress he is making.

“I’m not sure when I’ll be able to fully participate,” Collins said Saturday. “Recovery has been great, though. I haven’t had any setbacks.”

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“The days when I push the ankle and really test it, it responds really well,” Collins said. “I’ve been very happy with the process.”

Later in the interview, Collins once again touched on the lack of a firm return date.

“I’m going to come back when I’m ready,” Collins said. “I’ll leave it at that.”

In the 2018-19 season, Collins appeared in 77 regular season games. During that stretch he averaged 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds. Judging by the moves that have unfolded in free agency thus far, the Blazers, on paper, appear ready to take a patient route with Collins’ return.

You can read the full story from Quick at The Athletic (subscription required).