The Al Horford ripple effect might just extend all the way down the bench to a familiar face
I’m excited about someone’s game, someone a tad under the radar. It’s not Kelly Olynyk and it’s not Amir Johnson. It can’t be Tyler Zeller, I mean, is he even on the team still? Yes, he is still on the team and not only that, he got himself a nice little new contract.
A two-year, sixteen million deal. Which in today’s NBA is exactly what end of the bench guys, like Zeller, are commanding. What if this small move was actually the best move of the offseason?
Al Horford is the definition of how coaches would describe the ideal big man in today’s NBA. He runs with the guards, bangs down low with the other bigs and can step behind the arc and bury shots. He gathers enough attention that will leave other lesser-skilled bigs in a much more easy position to finish in or out of the paint.
Tyler Zeller has about the same range as former Celtic Brandon Bass, who made a living off that mid-range elbow jumper. One can expect a lot of open looks from that area for Zeller. Also, he has a very soft touch around the rim and commits himself to being the first down the court after every defensive rebound.
Where he lacks is defending his position and coming down with the aforementioned defensive rebound. Not having a capable center last year made Zeller a liability in that regard. I’m predicting that will not be the case this year.
He is not as quick or athletic, or even a better shooter, than Horford’s ex-teammate Paul Millsap. Horford’s effect on Millsap was undeniable and the two formed an All-Star tandem staking themselves as part of the NBA’s elite. Now, Zeller will not be an All-Star next year, but can he outplay his eight million dollar a year contract?
I’m positive.
Tyler Zeller’s negatives will dwindle extensively while he’s on the floor with Horford, and the positives exaggerated. Yes, I know it’s not that hot of a take to suggest Al Horford will make other players on the roster better, but what if I said Tyler Zeller will start at the four spot opposite Horford at the five?
Does this make sense to consider Zeller a starter over Amir Johnson or even Kelly Olynyk?
Let’s not forget who was starting two years ago in the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics may have gotten swept, but, nonetheless, he was deemed the best man for the job.
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He obviously has it in him to separate himself from the pack, and with the addition of Horford and the space on the floor that becomes of that, it will only intensify this notion. I picture Tyler Zeller averaging fourteen points and four rebounds a night. Although, I think that will lead him to being part of a major trade at the deadline.