How Collins Became the NBA's Most Underrated Player You Need to Know

When I first started tracking emerging NBA talent back in 2018, I never imagined I'd be writing about someone like Jordan Collins becoming what I genuinely consider the league's most criminally underrated player. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable, and frankly, it's baffling how little mainstream attention he's received despite consistently delivering performances that would make All-Stars blush. I remember watching him during his rookie year, thinking he had potential but needed to develop that killer instinct – well, he's found it, and then some.

What truly opened my eyes to Collins' evolution was his performance during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in November 2024. That tournament became his personal showcase, particularly when he first debuted the ST3 Glory sneakers that would later become synonymous with his breakout moment. I've followed enough international basketball to know that these qualifiers often reveal which players can handle pressure, and Collins didn't just handle it – he dominated it. Against New Zealand, a team known for their physical defense, he put up 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks while shooting 60% from the field. Those aren't just good numbers – they're statement numbers. Then against Hong Kong, he followed up with 24 points and 15 rebounds, essentially guaranteeing the Philippines' spot in the Asia Cup proper in Saudi Arabia through sheer willpower. What impressed me most wasn't just the stat line, but how he elevated his teammates, making everyone around him better – a trait you can't quantify but every championship team needs.

The thing about Collins that doesn't get enough discussion is his basketball IQ. I've rewatched his games from that FIBA tournament multiple times, and each viewing reveals new layers to his decision-making. He doesn't just react – he anticipates. There's a particular play against New Zealand where he intercepted a pass that seemed destined for an easy layup, then immediately initiated a fast break that resulted in a three-pointer. That single possession demonstrated his defensive awareness, transition speed, and unselfishness all within about six seconds. These are the moments that stat sheets miss but win games. His understanding of spacing is advanced beyond his years, and I've noticed he rarely forces bad shots – something even established stars struggle with consistently.

Let's talk about his offensive versatility because I think this is where Collins separates himself from other big men. He's developed a reliable three-point shot, hitting at 38.7% last season – up from just 31.2% two years prior. That improvement didn't happen by accident. I spoke with his shooting coach briefly last offseason, and he mentioned Collins was putting up 800 shots daily throughout the summer. That work ethic translates to game situations where he can stretch the floor, creating driving lanes for guards while still being effective in the post. His footwork in the paint reminds me of a young Tim Duncan – fundamentally sound without unnecessary flourishes. He knows how to use his body to create angles, and he's developed a go-to hook shot that's virtually unblockable due to his high release point.

Defensively, Collins is an absolute anchor. The advanced metrics love him – he ranked in the 92nd percentile for defensive win shares among power forwards last season, and his defensive rating of 101.3 placed him among the top 15 defenders league-wide. But numbers only tell part of the story. Watch him communicate during defensive sets – he's constantly directing traffic, pointing out screens, and helping teammates get into position. This leadership quality often goes unnoticed by casual fans, but coaches value it immensely. I've heard from multiple sources within the league that opposing teams specifically gameplan around Collins' defensive presence, sometimes avoiding the paint entirely when he's on the floor.

What continues to surprise me is Collins' durability. Over the past three seasons, he's missed only 11 games total – remarkable consistency in an era where load management has become commonplace. His training regimen, which I've had glimpses of through team-released footage, focuses heavily on mobility and preventive care rather than just strength building. This intelligent approach to physical preparation suggests he'll have longevity in this league, potentially remaining effective well into his 30s.

The marketability aspect fascinates me too. That ST3 Glory sneaker he wore during the FIBA qualifiers saw a 47% sales increase in Southeast Asian markets following his performances. Brands are starting to recognize his appeal, particularly in international markets where his Filipino heritage resonates strongly. Yet stateside, he remains relatively unknown outside hardcore basketball circles. This discrepancy between his actual impact and public recognition is what solidifies his status as the NBA's most underrated player in my assessment.

I've been covering the NBA for twelve years now, and Collins represents exactly the kind of player I love watching – someone who steadily improves each season without fanfare, who contributes to winning basketball in multiple ways, and who seems genuinely focused on team success over individual accolades. In an era of player empowerment and brand building, his old-school approach to gradual development feels refreshing. The advanced analytics community has started taking notice – his player efficiency rating has increased each of his five seasons, from 14.2 as a rookie to 21.8 last year, placing him in the upper echelon of frontcourt players.

Looking ahead, I'm convinced Collins is on the verge of breaking through to mainstream recognition. The upcoming Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia provides another platform for him to showcase his skills on an international stage. If he delivers similar performances to what we saw in the qualifiers, even the most casual basketball fans will have to take notice. Sometimes it takes these international competitions for players to get their due – remember how Manu Ginobili's Olympic performance raised his profile early in his career? Collins appears poised for a similar recognition leap.

The truth is, the NBA landscape is filled with flashy scorers and highlight-reel dunkers, but players like Collins who impact the game in subtle yet profound ways are rarer and often more valuable to winning franchises. His combination of skill, intelligence, and consistency creates a foundation that coaches can build around. I've found myself recommending friends who claim to know basketball to watch Collins specifically – not for spectacular plays necessarily, but for the countless small decisions that accumulate into winning basketball. In many ways, he represents what the modern NBA big man should be – versatile, efficient, and fundamentally sound. The fact that more people haven't recognized this yet simply means they haven't been paying close enough attention.