What About Tyler Zeller?

[PhoSita]

Now look, I know that name doesn't inspire ... much of anything, really.

I know he's not a great rebounder, a fantastic rim protector, a punishing finisher, or any of that.

But he is:

(1) 7 feet tall

(2) Available

(3) Not a complete stiff

(4) Familiar with what Brad expects of big men


The Celts could make better use of Tyler Zeller for a minimum deal than whatever they're using their 15th roster spot for right now (PJ Dozier?).

He's only 28 years old; there's no reason to think he's washed up or anything.

[celticsclay]

I'm down

[Eddie20]

I've though about this as well. In fact, I remember reading that he and Irving had very good chemistry in PNR's while they were together in Cleveland.

[Green-18]

Not a bad idea.  Zeller was decent during Brad's 2nd year as coach.  I'm sure he could give 10-15 reliable minutes to help this team get through the regular season.  I remember him having a very good mid-range game.   

[konkmv]

Is zeller a rim protector?

[gpap]

Personally, I am not a fan.

I think the guy is utterly useless.

[celticsclay]

Is zeller a rim protector?

In the sense that he has a smooth jumper

[PhoSita]

Personally, I am not a fan.

I think the guy is utterly useless.

I'm not saying he's any great shakes, but utterly useless he is not.

He's basically a replacement level backup center over the course of his career.

In 2014-2015 he was actually one of the most consistent and useful players on the team, though that was a year in flux.

[PhoSita]

Is zeller a rim protector?

He grades as like a C+ to B in basically every skill you'd ask of a backup center.

Maybe a B+ in terms of mid-range jumper, though that's not exactly a vital skill for that role.


He's pretty decent at setting picks and operating as the big in a dribble handoff, which is a fairly major part of the offense.

[Celtics4ever]

I 'd would rather use Williams who might be a player some day.

[RodyTur10]

Is zeller a rim protector?

He grades as like a C+ to B in basically every skill you'd ask of a backup center.

Maybe a B+ in terms of mid-range jumper, though that's not exactly a vital skill for that role.


He's pretty decent at setting picks and operating as the big in a dribble handoff, which is a fairly major part of the offense.

I seem to remember that you've always liked Zeller. Me not so much. I'd rather have Theis in his role. If we bring in an extra center it should be someone that provides something that the current roster doesn't have or at a higher level.

[jambr380]

I realize Bird is probably not long for this Cs roster, but aren't we using all 15 roster spots right now? I also have some concern about the luxury tax, but the longer we wait to sign him, the less he will cost.

As for if Zeller would be an actual useful body on the Cs, I am going to lean toward no. Baynes should be back at some point and that should shuffle everybody back to their best positions. Theis and Williams should, in theory, be able to handle back-up big-man minutes, but it wouldn't be the end of the world to have a player who is familiar with Brad's system back on the bench. He is also not exactly demanding and does his job when called upon.

[PhoSita]

I realize Bird is probably not long for this Cs roster, but aren't we using all 15 roster spots right now? I also have some concern about the luxury tax, but the longer we wait to sign him, the less he will cost.

I believe the 15th spot right now is PJ Dozier.

[PhoSita]

Is zeller a rim protector?

He grades as like a C+ to B in basically every skill you'd ask of a backup center.

Maybe a B+ in terms of mid-range jumper, though that's not exactly a vital skill for that role.


He's pretty decent at setting picks and operating as the big in a dribble handoff, which is a fairly major part of the offense.

I seem to remember that you've always liked Zeller. Me not so much. I'd rather have Theis in his role. If we bring in an extra center it should be someone that provides something that the current roster doesn't have or at a higher level.

The current roster doesn't have healthy players with the size to man the center spot reliably for 10-15 minutes a game.

I 'd would rather use Williams who might be a player some day.

(a) He's not healthy right now

(b) He can't play more than 15-20 minutes a night right now, and even when Horford is healthy, until Baynes gets back the Celts are left in a pickle to fill 48 minutes at the 5.  Theis has been atrocious.

[rondofan1255]

as a minutes eater why not