Barbeque Chicken: The Cody Zeller Thread - Pt 2

[euphorbus]

Another article.

http://www.atthehive.com/2016/10/6/13189648/cody-zeller-sits-out-wednesday-s-practice-as-concerns-grow-over-bone-bruise-hornets-charlotte-nba

[yosemiteben]

Coach Clifford needs another center, pronto. Tyler Hansbrough is available.

Tyler =/= center

[LofJ]

The cynical side of me thinks we're being extra cautious in an effort to gain negotiating leverage with Zeller's agent. Using Cody's lingering knee bruise to entice them to sign an early extension for less than his cap hold. Another benefit of holding him out is that is gives Hibbert more reps and allows Frank to spend time at Center.

As long as he's back within the first few weeks of the season starting I won't be concerned.

[Braggins]

Knowing our luck and our medical staff he probably really has some soft tissue damage that has been misdiagnosed and we'll find out in a week or two that he needs surgery and will be out for 8 weeks.

[euphorbus]

Here is an article on Zeller from In the Hive:

http://www.atthehive.com/2016/10/9/13212410/2016-17-player-preview-cody-zeller

For the record, I disagree with almost everything written here. To begin with, Priemski writes "The issue with playing those two together [Zeller and Kidd-Gilchrist] is that neither is a particularly good shooter." In actuality, Cody led the team in field goal percentage at .528 last season, and it was not even close (minimum 40 games). Jefferson was second with .485. Only Troy Daniels had a better TS%.

The more interesting comment is that Coach Clifford does not have full confidence in Zeller. That may be true, but without Zeller, the team is in for a rough ride.

[yosemiteben]

Zeller is definitely the weakest jump shooter in our regular rotation, subject to seeing if MKG's improvements stick. He finishes well around the basket, but as a shooter yeah he has not been reliable.

[BlackOutBuzz]

@Hornets
@CodyZeller was back in practice today! Video up soon on https://t.co/BzkRIrrehy https://t.co/BD80maZac8

[fatlever]

both Cam Newton and Cody back and practice today. I'm more excited about Cody.

[amcoolio]

I would like to see Frank as the starting 5 over Hibbert or Hawes. But I am glad Cody is back.

Either way we need to be extremely healthy this season to pull off what we did last year.

[Bassman]

Zeller is definitely the weakest jump shooter in our regular rotation, subject to seeing if MKG's improvements stick. He finishes well around the basket, but as a shooter yeah he has not been reliable.

MKG has already regressed back to a totally broken shot. It took a long time to move it close to less than average, but acceptable. Now, he has the hitch again, the side spin, ugly. Price is gone and so is his shot.

Back to Cody; glad he's back at practice, but I also tend to think Frank might ultimately be our best option at the 5.

[Joest2003]

As much as a critized cody in the past its just undeniable that he makes the team a lot better. Its been rough throughout the preseaon without him. I really hope he gets the start over Hibbert.

[Flip Murray]

As much as a critized cody in the past its just undeniable that he makes the team a lot better. Its been rough throughout the preseaon without him. I really hope he gets the start over Hibbert.

no doubt

[James Gatz]

As much as a critized cody in the past its just undeniable that he makes the team a lot better. Its been rough throughout the preseaon without him. I really hope he gets the start over Hibbert.

no doubt

Yeah, it's kind of wild how these few games have changed the level I value him and I think I've held him higher than most. Having high IQ, even unskilled in some ways, players really help the team gel. Not having some like Cody for PnRs really hurts us. I realize he's not getting a ton of points but he dives hard every time and just gets it when it comes to being a basketball player. His lack of weaknesses make him able to play with almost anyone else on the floor, the exception being on the floor without a creator.

[Diop]

Read on Twitter

I wonder if he will start though, considering he hasn't played in the preseason and Cliff can be awfully conservative when it comes to players who don't get any preseason games in.

[Braggins]

Seems like we go through this every year. Cliff tries to not start Cody until its made apparent that he should be starting or there is an injury to force his hand. Happened last year and the year before.

[HornetJail]

Read on Twitter

I wonder if he will start though, considering he hasn't played in the preseason and Cliff can be awfully conservative when it comes to players who don't get any preseason games in.

If Vonleh is any indication, Zeller should just get ready for the 2017-18 season now

[fatlever]

"Well, um, you know, the thing with Cody is, look, in this league training camp is important. Guys like Patrick will tell you that you need those reps in preseason to get in shape and play with purpose. Look, Cody missed a lot of time. We'll try to find him minutes, but its hard with Roy and Marvin and Frank and even Spencer playing well [everyone laughs at the mention of Roy who has lowest net rating on team]"

[catch20two]

Cliff has his history but he never seemed to be the type to slight Cody. If anything I'd say the opposite and that he always found a way to try to incorporate Cody into his game strategy any way possible. So outside of bringing Cody along slow I fear of possibly reaggravating the bone bruise Cliff will have him in the mix of things as much if not more than Hibbert and Hawes.

[yosemiteben]

I also think Cliff has been pretty vindicated for not playing Vonleh. That dude wasn't close to ready for NBA minutes his rookie year.

[fatlever]