i feel bad for zeller

[rollie mass]

i think he is one of those players that does well with consistency and has his favorite spots-lee has jammed him up-i think zeller runs a better pick and roll and given space shot at an incredible % from mid range-turner ran pick and rolls with him and as long as he didn't throw the ball at his feet zeller was consisrent with his left and right hand flip shots,zeller was effecient in start of first quarter from outside as bigs didn't come out ,he would rack up most of his points first half-lee just clogs things up

[BudweiserCeltic]

He's been abused defensively as well... so, he's just playing terrible on both ends.

[otherdave]

Agreed.  Time to drastically cut David Lee's minutes.

[PhoSita]

I agree with you, Rollie, I think Zeller is a player who thrives in space and who needs a consistent role in the offense.  He has neither with the team so far this season. 

I think the problem for Lee and Zeller is that they are too similar.  They both want to pass a little bit out of the high post, set picks, roll to the rim, and occasionally take an open 15 footer.  They're also getting choked by the lack of spacing with three mediocre shooters (who are also mediocre at creating for others) in Smart, Bradley, and Crowder sharing the floor with them.

[nickagneta]

I don't feel bad for Zeller. He's a back up center that is starting. He is a poor defender and mediocre at best rebounder. So Lee's presence might be hindering his offense. He better start playing better where the Celtics need him to be better, down low on the defensive end of the floor guarding big people and getting defensive rebounds, otherwise, if its just about offense, Olynyk seems to make more sense playing alongside Lee, taking over Zeller's minutes and sitting Zeller completely.

[Evantime34]

I don't feel bad for him. I think he's a guy who has started way more games than he should.

His biggest skill is finding an open space and finishing off of penetration or the pick and roll. Without anyone to create for him he's useless. A player who is in the game for his offense yet depends on others for 100% of his shots is lucky to start any games.

[Jon]

Why do you feel bad for Zeller? He's a career backup who was given a starting opportunity, but is squandering it. He's also not having his playing time blocked by the likes of Parish and McHale; so as far as I'm concerned, if he can't earn minutes, he has no one to blame but himself.

[otherdave]

Start A Johnson instead of Lee.  I can't believe I'm typing this but, maybe, start Turner at SF.

[rollie mass]

why do i feel bad for zeller! because once he got comfortable he was reliable and a consistent force from mid range and the foul line
his stats were also good from in close on his flip shots-i feel bad that lee has gummed things up-david lee is 32 and is past his sell by date at the moment-i hope he proves me wrong
brad said it's on me not tyler

[PhoSita]

I don't feel bad for him. I think he's a guy who has started way more games than he should.

His biggest skill is finding an open space and finishing off of penetration or the pick and roll. Without anyone to create for him he's useless. A player who is in the game for his offense yet depends on others for 100% of his shots is lucky to start any games.

Thing is, Zeller can have a lot of value if he's placed into lineups that suit his strengths.  He's a very good finisher, a capable passer, and an okay shooter and defender for his position. 

He's just not going to do well when he's asked to cover up David Lee's defensive weaknesses and create his own offense in a lineup that lacks any reliable outside shooting or shot creation.  I rather doubt that superior, but similar, big men like Robin Lopez or Tiago Splitter would look much better in the same situation.


Both Zeller and Crowder have looked like exactly what they are: backup quality players trying to succeed in starting roles.

Unfortunately, the team doesn't have any starting caliber small forwards or centers to put in their place, but the mix of bench-caliber skillsets in the starting lineup isn't conducive to success.

[spikelovetheCelts]

Start A Johnson instead of Lee.  I can't believe I'm typing this but, maybe, start Turner at SF.

Johnson needs help just like Zeller to score. Going to be fun to see how Stevens works all of this.  Putting our future in Smart at pg hurts turners too.

[SHAQATTACK]

I like the dude


But he is going to have to stand I there and play defense .



This why we need Nerlins .  ....and Sully .....with Smart and Hunter ....and?

[BDeCosta26]

He REALLY needs those 15-18 foot jumpers to start falling. He can hit that shot, but so far he's been ice cold from out there. In the 3 games he's shot a bunch and idk if he's even hit one. Common theme for all our guys though. Ain't been able to buy a bucket even when we get good looks.

If he and Lee can't start hitting that mid-range jumper consistently then you've gotta make a change. In today's NBA you can't have two bigs who can't AT LEAST shoot well enough to hit regularly from the mid range. Destroys spacing, which is part of why Smart and Crowder have been struggling to get to the hoop consistently. If we at least started KO and Zeller, I feel like we might be able to get that starting offense going a little bit. KO has done a lot of nice things so far this year and I think we needa give him the chance to score in bunched for us when we need a lift, like we did the past two games. Just kinda seems like, apart from IT, we're not really trying to generate a few good looks for one guy you have confidence in when we need O desperately. Kinda end up over passing it some times and it leads to unset shots/turn overs.

[Neurotic Guy]

I think we are seeing what happens when you start back-ups at the 3, 4, and 5.   Unfortunately, depth doesn't make up for a lack of talent at the top of the rotation.  But we knew this going in, and people like me were (and still are) excited about this team. 

This team has only just begun and there are probably roster shake-ups in the future -- and certainly roatation shake-ups.  Every game will be intersting and we won't have a good feel for this team's chemistry till the end of December.   And barring a substantial trade mid-season, the C's will  still end up where the vast majority expected them to: 42-45 wins.  They'll be on pace for 41 if they win on Wednesday. 

[Evantime34]

Start A Johnson instead of Lee.  I can't believe I'm typing this but, maybe, start Turner at SF.

Johnson needs help just like Zeller to score. Going to be fun to see how Stevens works all of this.  Putting our future in Smart at pg hurts turners too.

Johnson at least can shoot 3's so he spaces the floor where Zeller constricts the floor.