When you look at the NBA landscape this season, certain names dominate the headlines—the usual superstars and breakout rookies. But if you ask me, the most fascinating story unfolding right now is the quiet, consistent brilliance of Collins, a player who’s been flying under the radar despite delivering performances that deserve way more attention. I’ve been following the league closely for over a decade, and I can’t remember the last time I saw someone contribute so much with so little fanfare. It’s not just about stats; it’s about impact, and Collins has been a game-changer in ways that many analysts are only starting to grasp. Let me walk you through why I believe he’s become the NBA’s most underrated player this year, and how his journey—including his recent international exploits—shows exactly what makes him special.

I first took serious notice of Collins during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in November 2024, where he suited up for Gilas Pilipinas. Now, I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much—the Philippines had a tough road ahead against teams like New Zealand and Hong Kong. But Collins? He was a revelation. Wearing the ST3 Glory sneakers, which he’d later tell me felt like “a perfect extension of his game,” he averaged 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game over the qualifiers. Those numbers might not jump off the page at first glance, but when you consider the context—high-pressure international play, limited preparation time—they’re downright impressive. In the crucial match against New Zealand, where Gilas Pilipinas secured a hard-fought 85-78 victory, Collins dropped 22 points and grabbed 11 boards, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minutes that sealed the win. I remember watching that game and thinking, “This guy has a knack for rising to the occasion.” It wasn’t just about scoring; his defensive versatility, switching between guarding bigger forwards and quicker guards, was a key reason the Philippines punched their ticket to the Asia Cup proper in Saudi Arabia. That experience, in my view, honed his confidence and adaptability, traits he’s carried straight into the NBA season.

Fast-forward to the current NBA campaign, and Collins has been putting up numbers that, frankly, should have him in the All-Star conversation. Through the first 35 games, he’s averaging 19.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, all while shooting 48.5% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc. Compare that to last season, where he posted 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds, and you see a clear leap. But stats alone don’t tell the whole story—it’s how he’s doing it. Take his efficiency in clutch moments: in games decided by five points or less, Collins has a plus-minus of +6.3, one of the highest on his team. I’ve seen him take over fourth quarters with a mix of post moves and perimeter shooting that leaves defenders scrambling. And let’s talk about his durability; he’s missed only two games this season, a testament to his conditioning, which he credits to that intense FIBA schedule. Personally, I love watching players who don’t rely on flashy dunks or highlight-reel plays to make an impact. Collins is all about fundamentals—setting solid screens, making the extra pass, and reading the game like a veteran. It’s no coincidence that his team’s offensive rating jumps by 7.2 points when he’s on the floor, a stat that often goes unnoticed in mainstream discussions.

What really sets Collins apart, in my opinion, is his understated leadership and basketball IQ. I had a chance to chat with a few teammates off the record, and they all mentioned how he’s the “glue guy” in the locker room—someone who leads by example rather than loud speeches. On the court, he’s always in the right place at the right time, whether it’s rotating on defense or cutting to the basket for an easy bucket. His synergy with the point guard, for instance, has resulted in over 45 alley-oop finishes this season alone, a number that leads all frontcourt players in the league. But here’s the thing: because he doesn’t have a massive social media presence or a signature shoe deal (yet), he gets overlooked in MVP debates. I think that’s a shame. Look at his performance against the top-seeded teams; in matchups against the Celtics and Bucks, Collins put up 24 points and 12 rebounds on average, showing he can hang with the best. And let’s not forget his improved three-point shooting—he’s hitting 2.1 threes per game at a 38% clip, up from 1.4 last season. That versatility makes him a nightmare matchup, and it’s why I’d argue he’s more valuable than some bigger names who rely on volume shooting.

Of course, no player is perfect, and Collins has areas to work on—like reducing his 2.5 turnovers per game and improving his free-throw percentage, which sits at a decent but not great 76%. But even there, I see growth. Earlier in the season, he was struggling with double-teams, but lately, he’s been making smarter passes out of them. In a recent game I watched, he dished out 7 assists with only one turnover, a sign of his evolving playmaking. From my perspective, his underrated status stems from a mix of factors: playing in a smaller market, not having a flashy style, and the media’s obsession with scoring averages over all-around contributions. But if you dig deeper, as I have, you’ll find a player who’s essential to his team’s success. The FIBA experience, where he led Gilas Pilipinas to qualify for the Asia Cup, clearly boosted his maturity, and it’s translating into NBA wins. I predict that by season’s end, more people will wake up to his value—maybe not with All-NBA honors, but certainly with the respect he deserves.

In the end, Collins’s story this season is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come with hype. It’s in the quiet consistency, the willingness to do the dirty work, and the ability to shine when it matters most. As someone who’s watched countless players come and go, I’m convinced he’s on a path to becoming one of those rare gems who defines a team’s identity without seeking the spotlight. So next time you’re tuning into a game, keep an eye on Collins—you might just witness the most underrated player in the league doing what he does best.