Z-Rex: The Cody Zeller Thread

[BeesWax]

Why are some poster SO sure he can never be an all star?

If guys like LMA and Bosh can be all stars, why can't Cody?

or david lee

David Lee I can go for but he has a LONG way to go before he sniffs Bosh or LMA and both those guys had physical tools that Zeller does not have. Bosh started as a way better shooter and LMA was a better defensive presence and both are more suited to be a big length wise.

[fatlever]

i think noel is going to have a rough time in philly for while. rehab, missed training camp, missed half season, tanking team, no established pg, not many shooters to space the floor, few other bigs (hawes, kwame, moultrie), not many vet mentors, new coach (no coach in place yet), still needs to put on a ton of weight/muscle.

sixers lineup looking like:
mcw, jrich, young, noel, hawes

they do have some cap space that should allow them to fill some holes. we'll see, but i think we are looking at a solid 3 years before we know what kind of player noel will be.

[Eoghan]

Wilbon on PTI said that there was no one in this draft that you should say oh they should have taken them over Zeller, he says if Zeller averages 14 and 9 in 3 or 4 years then nobody can mock MJ.

I'm starting to feel better about the pick no matter how many negative reviews mrknowitall215 throws up of sites I have never heard of.

I think he'll average something like 14 and 7 personally.

kings have new ownership, die hard fans, backing of a city and a new arena in the works. he also has a stud big man to create open looks for him.

Still Kings with the same mismatched roster. That team is the Island of Misfit toys. "Nobody wants a Jimmer in the box!"

Edit: Fat? What happened to Evan "The Villain" Turner?

[BigSlam]

Why are some poster SO sure he can never be an all star?

If guys like LMA and Bosh can be all stars, why can't Cody?

or david lee

On that one: I've seen it mentioned a couple of times in this thread but I dont think he is like David Lee.

At all.

[BigSlam]

This pick has grown on me. Honestly, outside of McLemore, I'm fine with Zeller. I also would've been disappointed if we had passed on Bennett for him...

I feel the same way (sort of).

The only guy I really, really wanted was Oladipo - and he was gone.
The only other guy I was really interested was Bennett - and he was gone.

That being the case, I am good with Cody.

Sure, he doesn't make me want to run out and buy the latest version of NBA2K with him in it, but I'm farrrrrrrrrrrr from ripping my hair out too (which I might have done if we took Noel).

[BeesWax]

Why are some poster SO sure he can never be an all star?

If guys like LMA and Bosh can be all stars, why can't Cody?

or david lee

On that one: I've seen it mentioned a couple of times in this thread but I dont think he is like David Lee.

At all.

I think it is way closer than Bosh and LMA. I don't think it is perfect but it is not near as bad as the other two.

[amcoolio]

Why are some poster SO sure he can never be an all star?

If guys like LMA and Bosh can be all stars, why can't Cody?

or david lee

David Lee I can go for but he has a LONG way to go before he sniffs Bosh or LMA and both those guys had physical tools that Zeller does not have. Bosh started as a way better shooter and LMA was a better defensive presence and both are more suited to be a big length wise.

Zeller is much more athletic than Bosh...wut? Bosh has longer arms, thats about it. Zeller crushed Bosh on the bench press and verticals.

If Zeller can really nail down shots and become automatic from 15 feet, then he's basically a better Bosh. Which is pretty good for the #4 pick in a weak draft.

LMA is more physical than Zeller but similar body wise. Zeller is bit taller but again has shorter arms, but Zeller had a better vertical both standing and jumping than LMA. Zeller is faster and quicker than both as well. And his BBall IQ is pretty high.

His measurables and "athletic ability" are nothing short of outstanding for an NBA PF, which is what he'll be playing according to coach Clifford. Maybe not for a C, but for a PF he is fine.

I'm trusting Cho on this one.

[BigSlam]

or david lee

On that one: I've seen it mentioned a couple of times in this thread but I dont think he is like David Lee.

At all.

I think it is way closer than Bosh and LMA. I don't think it is perfect but it is not near as bad as the other two.

I never watched Bosh at Georgia Tech but I watched a butt load of him in Toronto.
I watched a butt load of LMA at Texas.

I can see the similarities for sure.

Doesn't mean he will get there, he might end up more like Troy Murphy, but I certainly see a comparison to Bosh/LMA way more valid than a comparison to Lee.

Lee is amazing with both hands and can seriously pass the ball.

[fatlever]

Why are some poster SO sure he can never be an all star?

If guys like LMA and Bosh can be all stars, why can't Cody?

or david lee

David Lee I can go for but he has a LONG way to go before he sniffs Bosh or LMA and both those guys had physical tools that Zeller does not have. Bosh started as a way better shooter and LMA was a better defensive presence and both are more suited to be a big length wise.

zeller is faster, quicker, more agile, jumps higher and is taller than both bosh and lma. they are only physically better than him in wingspan.

but i do agree, those are lofty comparisons and would be tough to get to that level.

[BeesWax]

or david lee

David Lee I can go for but he has a LONG way to go before he sniffs Bosh or LMA and both those guys had physical tools that Zeller does not have. Bosh started as a way better shooter and LMA was a better defensive presence and both are more suited to be a big length wise.

Zeller is much more athletic than Bosh...wut? Bosh has longer arms, thats about it. Zeller crushed Bosh on the bench press and verticals.

If Zeller can really nail down shots and become automatic from 15 feet, then he's basically a better Bosh. Which is pretty good for the #4 pick in a weak draft.

LMA is more physical than Zeller but similar body wise. Zeller is bit taller but again has shorter arms, but Zeller had a better vertical both standing and jumping than LMA. Zeller is faster and quicker than both as well. And his BBall IQ is pretty high.

His measurables and "athletic ability" are nothing short of outstanding for an NBA PF, which is what he'll be playing according to coach Clifford. Maybe not for a C, but for a PF he is fine.

I'm trusting Cho on this one.

Zeller has to translate that athletic ability to the court. There is a reason people were shocked by his results. It does not currently show when he plays.

Zeller may get to where these guys were when they came into the league but it will take a ton of work. Both these guys showed well on the floor and were longer than Zeller and better coming out. Until he can make those numbers show up on the court they are not that valuable.

If he becomes close to one of those two guys great but to compare him to those players is crazy. He has way bigger holes than them right now. Both those guys were used to playing what they were going to be doing in the NBA. Zeller needs to learn to be a 4 because he has only been a 5 so far.

[fatlever]

Wilbon on PTI said that there was no one in this draft that you should say oh they should have taken them over Zeller, he says if Zeller averages 14 and 9 in 3 or 4 years then nobody can mock MJ.

I'm starting to feel better about the pick no matter how many negative reviews mrknowitall215 throws up of sites I have never heard of.

I think he'll average something like 14 and 7 personally.

kings have new ownership, die hard fans, backing of a city and a new arena in the works. he also has a stud big man to create open looks for him.

Still Kings with the same mismatched roster. That team is the Island of Misfit toys. "Nobody wants a Jimmer in the box!"

Edit: Fat? What happened to Evan "The Villain" Turner?

i forgot turner. so i guess he takes jrichs spot? or noels spot(with thad moving to pf)? or mcw's spot?

[Nanogeek]

Zeller is something of an athletic freak for a 7 footer. That's a good thing. He's not a great rebounder. But he'll be an efficient scorer. He'll need to develop a better jumpshot and postgame but luckily that can be accomplished. You cant' teach height or athleticism. Another good thing out of this pick is we aren't extending a QO to Mullens or likely going to resign McRoberts.

[BeesWax]

or david lee

David Lee I can go for but he has a LONG way to go before he sniffs Bosh or LMA and both those guys had physical tools that Zeller does not have. Bosh started as a way better shooter and LMA was a better defensive presence and both are more suited to be a big length wise.

zeller is faster, quicker, more agile, jumps higher and is taller than both bosh and lma. they are only physically better than him in wingspan.

but i do agree, those are lofty comparisons and would be tough to get to that level.

The next time he blocks a shot with his forehead will be the first time. Height is less important than length and he loses to both there. Also like I said there was a reason his numbers surprised it is because they did not really show during his playing time.

[amcoolio]

Thats a product of Indiana's strict system which favored guards and guard ball control.

We'll see. Sure, there's a chance Zeller can bust. But I think he will be the most productive pick the Bobcats have ever made, and you can't knock that.

It all depends on his shooting, which Zeller said he is confident he can shoot the ball well and in workouts had range out to 3 point land. We don't know, because we haven't seen. Even Sean May had good shooting ability. Its silly to call the pick a bust when we haven't seen him shoot yet. He wasn't allowed to take many jumpers at Indiana.

What is objectively official is that Zeller is comparable or better athletically than Bosh or LMA, and taller, and faster and quicker and can run the floor better so he has that going for him. I also think Phoenix would have taken him at 5, and NO at 6.

[amcoolio]

David Lee I can go for but he has a LONG way to go before he sniffs Bosh or LMA and both those guys had physical tools that Zeller does not have. Bosh started as a way better shooter and LMA was a better defensive presence and both are more suited to be a big length wise.

zeller is faster, quicker, more agile, jumps higher and is taller than both bosh and lma. they are only physically better than him in wingspan.

but i do agree, those are lofty comparisons and would be tough to get to that level.

The next time he blocks a shot with his forehead will be the first time. Height is less important than length and he loses to both there. Also like I said there was a reason his numbers surprised it is because they did not really show during his playing time.

I really doubt we drafted Zeller to block shots. We already have Bismack and MKG filling that role.

Thats like knocking Cleveland for drafting Bennett because he doesn't block shots well.

[Makaveli92]

If I was MJ I would take a chance on signing Andrew Bynum, Bynum was a beast before he got injured, he can score in the post, shoot FTs, he aint fast, but aye, they got Cody Zeller now, he can move fast... I would sign Bynum to a 1 year deal, see how he does this season, if he does good, you sign him next summer to a muti year contract. It aint like the Bobcats are in win now mode, they can take a chance on Bynum, maybe it will pay off, if not, let him go this summer.

Walker
Henderson
MKG
Zeller
Bynum

That aint a bad starting lineup.

[bwgood77]

I'm guessing Bynum will end up in Dallas (if they don't get Howard of course). Cuban will have to do something to show Dirk he is trying if Howard decides to go to Houston (or stays in LA).

[BigSlam]

Thank GOD you are not MJ then.

Oh, and this should be in the FA thread.

[BeesWax]

On that one: I've seen it mentioned a couple of times in this thread but I dont think he is like David Lee.

At all.

I think it is way closer than Bosh and LMA. I don't think it is perfect but it is not near as bad as the other two.

I never watched Bosh at Georgia Tech but I watched a butt load of him in Toronto.
I watched a butt load of LMA at Texas.

I can see the similarities for sure.

Doesn't mean he will get there, he might end up more like Troy Murphy, but I certainly see a comparison to Bosh/LMA way more valid than a comparison to Lee.

Lee is amazing with both hands and can seriously pass the ball.

You should catch some old highlights of Bosh. He was fun to watch at GT. He would stretch the floor for a 3 then the next time go up over someone for an easy 2. I watched him a lot that year and really enjoyed it.

LMA is more closely like Zeller in college playing style but was bigger and could spend some time at the 5 or 4 in the pros. Lee was a better passer and more of a bull dog at Florida if I remember correctly. I watched him some but not like guys who came out of the ACC. Murphy also could shoot in college so I am not sure that is a good comparison either. If Zeller learns to shoot he could make a Murphy like career though.

[TheKingofSting]

4. Cody Zeller, PF/C, Charlotte Bobcats
Comps: LaMarcus Aldridge (ceiling) to Tyler Zeller (floor)
Players in the way: Byron Mullens, Bismack Biyombo, Josh McRoberts

From a fantasy perspective, I like Zeller for this season more than the other two bigs (Len, Noel) taken in the top 10.

One, he's healthy. Two, he only has to beat out Byron Mullens and Bismack Biyombo for playing time. Mullens had some low-end value last season, a testament to what a fantasy big man can do on a bad team with a weak front line.

Zeller is skilled, athletic, and sports a more polished offensive game than Noel or Len. If he starts, he'll be worth a gamble after the 10th round.

(One hidden factor; his positional eligibility will be key. If he's a PF/C, his value increases by a couple of rounds. If he's just a PF or just a C, it will prevent owners from maximizing his fantasy value.)

http://espn.go.com/fantasy/basketball/s ... gs-2013-14