# Bulls add much-needed size with veteran Zach Collins finally returning

> Zach Collins returns to Bulls after injury, adding size to team.
- Title: Bulls add much-needed size with veteran Zach Collins finally…
- Summary: Zach Collins returns to Bulls after injury, adding size to team. Veteran Zach Collins made his season debut for the Chicago Bulls after a year-long injury…
- Keywords: chicago bulls, zach collins, nba, veteran, injury, season debut, recovery, news, local, Bulls, add, much-needed
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2026/10/21/bulls-much-needed-size-veteran-zach-collins-returning
- Published: 2026-10-22T00:15:11.933+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago bulls, zach collins, nba, veteran, injury, season debut, recovery, news, local
## Zach Collins returns
Veteran Zach Collins made his season debut for the Chicago Bulls after a year-long injury recovery.
## Injury history
Collins fractured his left wrist in 2025 preseason and underwent season-ending surgery on his right toe.
## Preseason impact
Collins helped Bulls to a 6-4 record in 10 games, averaging 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
## Contract details
The Bulls signed Collins to a two-year, $17-million deal on the first day of free agency.
## Current status
Collins played nine minutes in his first game, grabbing five rebounds with a minutes restriction of 12-to-16 minutes.
## Coach's plan
Coach Tiago Splitter said they will slowly integrate Collins into the rotation, testing double-big combinations.
## Stacey King tribute
The Bulls debuted a King patch on jerseys to honor former broadcaster Stacey King who died in June.
## Caleb Wilson's privilege
Rookie Caleb Wilson received special pregame treatment with Chicago rapper Lucki music played during warmups.
## Traveling team
Rookie Dailyn Swain and guard Jordan Hawkins stayed in Chicago due to illness during the road trip.
## Team dynamics
The Bulls play the Bucks on Friday, with Swain and Hawkins possibly joining the team in Milwaukee.
## Key takeaway

Veteran Zach Collins made his season debut for the Chicago Bulls after a year-long injury recovery.