Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

top dawg

Reading between the lines of the Zeller pick. Read Bonnell's Article

Started by top dawg,

10 posts in this topic

Posted

Though not necessarily a Bobcats fan (but really wanting to become one), I was mystified by the Cody Zeller pick. I couldn't figure out why they'd pass over players who perceivably have a much higher ceiling like Ben McLemore, big (little) man Nerlens Noel (though not so mystified by him), or Alex Len. Well, Zeller is arguably the most versatile of the group, and fits in the best with what Charlotte wants to do on the floor. Plus, he is a scrappy hard worker which can be gleaned from Newest Charlotte Bobcat Cody Zeller had to scrap for everything  by Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. 

 

Hardcore Bobcats fans probably knew that Rich Cho had a hard-on for Zeller, but actually Steve Clifford appreciated Zeller's versatile skill set as well.  Here is the key part of the article (but you can read the rest for fluff):

 

 

The Bobcats passed over some formidable prospects – Kansas shooting guard Ben McLemore and big men Nerlens Noel of Kentucky and Alex Len of Maryland – to select Zeller fourth.

 

McLemore and Oladipo would work out for the Bobcats only individually, which Cho said was unacceptable. Zeller auditioned for the Bobcats with several other players. It was one of 10 workouts he participated in all around the NBA.

 

“I’ve been playing basketball my whole life, so I had no problem working out against anyone,’’ Zeller said. “I like proving myself.’’

 

In that workout Zeller hit a slew of NBA 3-pointers after attempting just two college 3s in two seasons at Indiana. New Bobcats coach Steve Clifford called it “eye-opening’’ that Zeller was such a proficient shooter.

 

It’s clear the Bobcats plan to fast-track Zeller into a role in their rotation. They need his scoring in a frontcourt where center Bismack Biyombo and small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist combined for just 14 points a game last season.

 

“Stretch 4s’’ – power forwards with the shooting range to spread defenses – are in vogue these days in the NBA. The current trend essentially started with Rashard Lewis playing for the Magic. Clifford was on that coaching staff in Orlando, and made a point Friday of comparing what Lewis did with how Zeller can contribute in Charlotte.

 

But that’s not all Clifford expects of Zeller. Clifford said Zeller’s best attribute is versatility. He runs the floor well and physical testing at the NBA Combine last month showed he has particularly quick feet for a 7-footer.

 

Those are tools Clifford can employ defensively on a team that was in the bottom three last season in points allowed and opponent field-goal percentage.

 

Offensively Clifford has all sorts of plans for Zeller. He’s happy point guard Kemba Walker plans to practice with the summer league team, so that Walker and Zeller can start collaborating in pick-and-rolls. Clifford also sees Zeller as a shooter-ballhandler at the top of the key, which could open more driving lanes for Kidd-Gilchrist, Gerald Henderson and Jeff Taylor.

 

 

So, basically there it is: the rationale behind the pick. I hope it works out for them.

 

 


 

 

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Posted

OUr fans are going to end up really liking this kid.  even the ones who didn't want him.  He is really, really good.  If he can put on some weight and finish even more consistently around the rim he will be a bitch to try and defend..

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Posted

Strength on his big frame will let him succeed. He has all the hard parts the other big guys in this draft were lacking taken care of(shooting, back to basket post game, passing)

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Posted

OUr fans are going to end up really liking this kid.  even the ones who didn't want him.  He is really, really good.  If he can put on some weight and finish even more consistently around the rim he will be a bitch to try and defend..

 

Strength on his big frame will let him succeed. He has all the hard parts the other big guys in this draft were lacking taken care of(shooting, back to basket post game, passing)

 

Yes, he needs to become a consistent, adept finisher in the paint and at the rim. A little strength conditioning would do him wonders.  As we all know, muscle weighs more than fat. I would like to see Zeller put on at least 20 lbs.  I realize that they will probably play him at PF most of the time (as they have dreams of an improved version of Chris Bosh), but personally I think that skinny bigs have a certain amount of wasted potential. Zeller has to learn to use his frame and impose his will, if not he will never be a "bitch to defend", just another PF-C hybrid that is solid most of the time and great sometimes by virtue of a nice stroke from 15-20 feet. 

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Posted

i didn't like the pick, but regardless he is a bobcat now and I fully support him and really hope that he can excel as a stretch 4 in the league. it would be massively important for our offense to have a big man who could put up 15+ a night

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Posted

He doesn't need more weight. He already is the same weight as Aldridge. He just needs to get a little tougher/stronger on the defensive end.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Posted

Until the NBA installs a hard cap, with no luxury tax where teams like the Heat, Nets or Lakers can exceed the cap, I'll be an outsider to enjoying the NBA. I like what Zeller brings to the table for the Bobcats, though I wish we'd have taken McLemore. I'm trying to get back to the point where I can enjoy watching the Charlotte Hornets like I did when I was a kid, but knowing how salary caps work makes it seem like an impossible ladder to climb for our team. 

 

I honestly just struggle to enjoy the NBA given the fact that besides the Spurs who are in a smaller market, no team from smaller markets win the NBA Championships. Since 1980 Championships are as follows:

 

LA Lakers- 10

Chicago- 6

Boston- 4

San Antonio- 4

Detroit- 3

Miami- 3

Houston- 2

Philadelphia- 1

Dallas- 1

 

How do you guys get pumped for a season when it seems like only big market or richly backed teams win championships? 

 

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Posted

I think people are going to be shocked at how well this pick might turn out for the team. I believe this coaching staff is going to get the best out of him and he will be an unbelievable player for them maybe not an Allstar but definitely someone who will be solid night in and night out. 

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites
Go To Topic Listing Charlotte Hornets Talk