Tyler Zeller

[clover]

I've been thinking the Celts should play Zeller and Wright together more frequently. While neither is a great defensive presence in the paint, they could provide some rim defense due to their length. I don't think they should start together, but maybe putting them together in the first substitution rotation would be a good time to try to get them some joint minutes. Now, others might argue that they're similar players so having them complement each other in the rotation is a better move. I get that, but there's also something to be said for making the other team defend two legit 6-11/7-0 players. Additionally, Wright and Zeller are the Celtics most efficient players according to the PER stat and, according to ESPN, they two of only three players in the top 25 of PER players in the whole league (Zeller is 21, Wright is 9 in PER for the whole league) who play fewer than 20 minutes. So, let's get them both 3-5 more minutes of floor time together and see what happens.

This would go against Brad Stevens predictable motion offense, with the bigs setting the high pick, and getting the ball off the pick behind the three point line.

I agree. Better to look at KO and Zeller for the twin towers effect, though if Bass goes and Wright stays I'm expecting a KO/Wright second string.

[P stoff]

I really believe that a Zeller would be just fine as our C in a rebuild. Look at all of the tams that built from the PG/wing position... without a great center. Zeller is serviceable, and we might add a beefier guy later, but give me three really good young (not star yet) players at the PG/sG/and SF and then let KO, Zeller play off of them.

If we are not looking for a quick turnaround, I would just as soon let Green and Bradley go in trade (and of course nelson, Bass) ... Just roll with Young, Turner, Smart, KO, Sully, Zeller, Crowder, Pressey, Wallace (mentor)... (and whatever young or "cuttable" players you take on.

It might be ugly, but at least Brad could play a set rotation and build some continuity. Then we will know what we need most in the draft next year.  Why not? 

[Meadowlark_Scal]

The guy is under-utilized, his shot is text book, yet you never see him allowed to shoot....his free throws...the % HAS to be high.....he plays strong D, can cover the better centers, and he is always in the right place at the right time....THAT is no accident....now he is showing more post patience and moves......or paint anyway...GET...THAT...MAN...THE ...BALL..!!! How about the C's actually runa a play for the big man for ONCE..!!!!

[OhioGreen]

Zeller is a nice player. I don't think he'll ever be a starter on a contender (could be a starter on a bad team) but he's going to be a really nice big off the bench. I think that's his future role in the NBA.

I would definitely have to disagree about him not being a starter on a contender.  Picture TZ on the Spurs! Are you kiddin' me!??  He'd be awesome, and I think he's already been pretty amazing this year on our non contending team.  He might just be our most consistent player this year!  Not fancy, just efficient!
Not all starters on contending teams are stars.  When you think about TEAM concept I think TZ would be fine just about anywhere.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Zeller has been the Best thing in this dismal season...Love watching him play--he is solid all around...Really would like to keep him and K.O....I will be P****D if Danny gets rid of him...Tommy always says that Big men take the longest to develop--and Tyler is only 24...He took a step back in Cleveland because of his Appendix surgery---But now, he's on track....He's a KEEPER.