Has Tyler Zeller Earned a Contract Extension?

The Boston Celtics are finally establishing a core that will be the future of the franchise and they will have to make a lot more important decisions soon. Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones are all in line to potentially receive contract extensions and Zeller has a chance to become a Celtic for the foreseeable future by the October 31st deadline.

Based on last season, there are two sides to Zeller getting an extension. Zeller has exceeded expectations on the offensive end and has done enough in that phase of the game to earn that contract extension.

Despite his offensive success, Zeller still saw Kelly Olynyk take a large portion of his minutes. Olynyk earned those minutes because of the added dimension of three point shooting but Zeller lost himself minutes because of apparent disappearing acts and struggles on the defensive end.

Mar 20, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics had absolutely no rim protection or presence in the paint last year and that is never a good reflection of the starting center. The Celtics need a center that can have an impact on the defensive end and that would be the only thing that may prevent Zeller form getting his extension.

That being said, Zeller has probably done enough to be a long term Celtic. He does enough on the offensive end to receive consistent minutes and he should develop on the defensive end.

The best part about Zeller’s offensive game is he still has not reached his full potential. Zeller had a usage rate of 19.6% last season and that leaves a lot of room for improvement.

10.2 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game is nothing special but when Zeller’s stats are looked at per 36 minutes things get a lot more interesting. Per 36 minutes Zeller averaged 17.3 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game on 54.9% shooting. Those are the kind of numbers that could one day get Zeller a spot on the all star team.

As Zeller continues to develop he should be given more opportunities and more minutes and then all that potential can come to fruition.

Zeller’s potential has certainly earned him a contract extension but if he does not improve on the defensive end he will never get the proper opportunities. Even per 36 minutes Zeller averaged just 1.1 blocks per game and that is simply unacceptable. Zeller has the potential to be a double digit rebounder but until he has an impact protecting the rim, Stevens will continue to go to other options.

Apr 21, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives between Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) and forward Jae Crowder (99) in the third quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

With all the cap freedom that the Celtics have there is no reason for them to not extend Zeller but he will still have to prove to the team that he is worth it.

Zeller is one of the more promising young players on the Celtics and he has certainly done enough to earn more opportunities with the team. The Celtics may never be able to find another center that can shoot the ball as well as Zeller and he will always be a great weapon for Stevens to use.

There were points last season when Zeller was arguably the team’s best player and for them to neglect giving him a contract extension would be unwise. Throw in the complete lack of depth at the center position and the Celtics know that they will need Zeller to be around for at least a little while longer.

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