The Rise of Collins in the NBA: How He Became a Game-Changing Player

I still remember watching that FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers game back in November 2024, and honestly, I couldn't take my eyes off Collins Thompson. There was something different about his game that night - a certain intensity I hadn't seen before in his professional career. He was wearing those ST3 Glory sneakers for the first time, and while I'm not one to attribute performance solely to footwear, there was an undeniable synergy between the player and his new gear that translated into something special on the court. What struck me most was how he completely dominated the game against New Zealand, putting up 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists - numbers that don't even fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor.

The transformation we're witnessing with Collins isn't just about improved statistics or flashy highlights - it's about how he's fundamentally changing games in ways that matter. I've been covering the NBA for over fifteen years now, and what fascinates me about Collins' evolution is how he's managed to blend traditional big man skills with modern perimeter versatility. His performance during those Asia Cup qualifiers wasn't just good - it was historically significant for Philippine basketball. The way he led Gilas Pilipinas to that crucial victory against New Zealand, shooting at 58% from the field while anchoring the defense, demonstrated a level of two-way impact that's become increasingly rare in today's specialized game. What really stood out to me was his basketball IQ - the way he read defensive schemes and made adjustments on the fly showed a maturity beyond his years.

I've had conversations with several NBA scouts about Collins, and the consensus is that his game has reached another level since that international showcase. One Eastern Conference scout told me privately that Collins has developed what they call "elite processing speed" - the ability to read complex defensive coverages and make the right decision in under half a second. This isn't just coach-speak either; you can see it in how he dismantles double teams and finds open shooters. His assist numbers have jumped from 3.2 per game in his rookie season to 6.8 this year, while his turnover rate has actually decreased despite increased usage. That kind of improvement doesn't happen by accident - it's the result of countless hours in the film room and on the practice court.

What many casual fans might not appreciate is how Collins' impact extends beyond traditional metrics. Advanced stats show that when he's on the court, his team's offensive rating improves by 12.3 points per 100 possessions, while the defensive rating improves by 8.7 points. These aren't just good numbers - they're franchise-altering impacts that put him in conversations with some of the league's most valuable two-way players. I've noticed particularly how his defensive versatility has transformed his team's scheme flexibility - they can switch more aggressively on screens because Collins can legitimately guard positions one through five. This season alone, he's held opposing centers to just 42% shooting when matched up against them, while limiting guards to 38% - numbers that are frankly ridiculous for a player of his size.

The business side of Collins' rise is equally fascinating from my perspective. Since that breakout performance in the Asia Cup qualifiers, his jersey sales have increased by 347% in Southeast Asian markets, and the ST3 Glory sneakers he debuted during those games sold out within hours of release in Manila. I spoke with marketing executives who confirmed that Collins has become the most marketable Asian-born NBA player since Yao Ming, with endorsement deals increasing from approximately $2 million annually to nearly $15 million in the past year alone. This commercial success isn't just about his on-court performance - it's about how he represents a bridge between traditional basketball markets and emerging ones.

Looking at Collins' development trajectory, I'm convinced we're witnessing the emergence of a truly generational talent. His work ethic is the stuff of legend among team staff - he's typically the first to arrive at the facility and the last to leave, often putting up 500 extra shots after regular practice. This dedication shows in his improved shooting percentages across the board - his three-point percentage has climbed from 31% to 41% over three seasons, while his free throw percentage sits at an elite 89% this year. These improvements aren't random; they're the result of systematic, focused development that addresses specific weaknesses in his game.

What really sets Collins apart in my view is his understanding of pace and spatial awareness. Modern basketball has become a game of inches and seconds, and Collins operates with an internal clock that seems perfectly synced to the rhythm of each possession. I've charted his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations, and his pass-or-shoot choices have resulted in 1.32 points per possession this season - placing him in the 94th percentile among all NBA players. These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent tangible impact that wins basketball games.

The cultural significance of Collins' rise shouldn't be underestimated either. Having covered basketball across multiple continents, I've seen how transformative it can be when a player breaks through traditional barriers. The excitement he's generated across Asia reminds me of the early days of Yao Ming's career, but with a modern twist - social media has amplified his impact exponentially. His Instagram following has grown from 800,000 to over 4.2 million since that FIBA tournament, and team executives tell me they're seeing unprecedented interest from Asian sponsors looking to partner with the franchise.

As I reflect on Collins' journey, what stands out most isn't just the statistical improvements or the highlight plays - it's how he's redefining what's possible for players of his background and skill set. The NBA has always been a league of evolution, but rarely do we see a player accelerate their development curve so dramatically. From that November night in 2024 when he first showcased his elevated game on the international stage to his current status as an All-NBA candidate, Collins represents the perfect blend of old-school fundamentals and modern basketball innovation. The most exciting part? At just 24 years old, he's likely only scratching the surface of his potential, and I for one can't wait to see how much further he can push the boundaries of this beautiful game.