Kyle Collinsworth stood tall in the bowels of Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday night.
He had a special comfort with this building. Almost four years ago, he dropped his first triple-double within those very walls. Only then, he was playing against Hawaii as a star at Brigham Young University.
Saturday night was different. The dream was accomplished. It took a little longer than hoped, and a few twists and turns that weren’t anticipated. But Collinsworth is now in the NBA, a member of the Dallas Mavericks, back in town to play against the Utah Jazz.
He was almost sheepish in this fact. There weren’t a ton of family and friends at the game. BYU, on Saturday night, played against rival Gonzaga, so there wasn’t a huge Cougar faction in the building. But the fact that Collinsworth is in the league, and playing well, is what really matters.
“There are some people here, but not that many,” Collinsworth said. “I try to keep a close circle. But it’s always good to be home, and I’m very happy to be back.”
As one of the brightest basketball stars in the state of Utah over the past decade, Collinsworth’s story is known to many. He led Provo High to a state championship, and was one of the best prep players in the state. He went on to BYU, was a starter for a Sweet 16 team and then became college basketball’s career triple-double king.
But, things got difficult for him as a pro. He went undrafted in 2016, and signed a summer league contract with the Mavericks, who then waived him after the preseason. He played in the G League with the Texas Legends.
This season, Collinsworth signed a pair of 10-Day contracts with Dallas, and then was signed for the remainder of the season.
“He’s earned his shot,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “He came into training camp last year and competed very hard and very well. We just didn’t have a spot. He’s worked really hard at developing his outside shot. He’s stronger and more experienced. He’s had some great opportunities to play for us and he’s ready. He’s a great guy to have on our team.”
In the end, Collinsworth’s versatility has earned him a spot in the NBA, even with his lack of an outside jumper. Carlisle and the Mavericks have always admired his ability to play — and guard — three positions.
“He can even play a little bit of power forward,” Carlisle said.
As a result, Collinsworth is not just on the team, he’s in the rotation. He’s averaged 17 minutes over the last five games. His best performance was against the Houston Rockets a few weeks ago, when he tallied eight rebounds, six points and five assists.
For the season, Collinsworth averages 2.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He played two minutes in Saturday’s first half, picking up a rebound.
The next two seasons in Collinsworth’s contract are nonguaranteed, so he’s going to have to fight to stay in the league. But, the fact that he’s broken through the glass ceiling is what matters for him now.
“It’s been a roller coaster for sure,” Collinsworth said. “But it’s been all about belief — belief when things are good and belief when things are bad. I never lost my belief and I never lost my goal. I just kept working and staying consistent in my routine, and the little things that have given me an edge over the years.”
Follow @Tjonessltrib