The San Antonio Spurs won’t get to see new forward Zach Collins in action for a couple of months, coach Gregg Popovich said, per the San Antonio Express-News.
Collins is still recovering from a third surgery on his left ankle on June 29.
Popovich said Saturday that the latest information from the team’s medical staff pointed to a return sometime “after Christmas.”
Collins, who can also play center, agreed to a three-year, $22-million deal with San Antonio after injuries marred his final two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Collins, 23, played only 11 games over the past two seasons, and did not play at all in 2020-21, after a series of injuries to his shoulder and ankle. Originally the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft by Sacramento and traded to Portland on draft night, Collins has averaged 5.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 17.5 minutes per game in 154 games (12 starts) with the Trail Blazers.
Collins was not tendered a qualifying offer by Portland, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
–Field Level Media
