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Boston Celtics: Tyler Zeller Bulked Up, Hopeful Of Starting Role

By Andrew Anderson

Feb 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tyler Zeller (40) warms up before playing against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 98-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tyler Zeller (40) warms up before playing against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 98-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Acquired in the offseason for little more than salary relief, Celtics’ big man Tyler Zeller has been busy in the summer adding size to his frame and is looking to make a big impact for his new team in 2014-15. The 24-year-old center is entering his third season in the NBA and after a frustrating sophomore campaign in Cleveland, Zeller is out to make the most of his new opportunity in Boston.

ESPN’s Chris Forsberg spoke with Zeller, who explained that he aims to be the team’s starting center and has hit the weight room to help him battle down low with the NBA’s best bigs.

"“I think [starting at center is] my goal this year,” said Zeller. “I have a lot of work to do to earn that spot. I expect to have to earn it. But I think it is a great opportunity.”"

The first step in that process was bulking up this offseason. Zeller, who played at around 250 pounds in Cleveland last year, said he has added about 10 to 15 pounds with a desire to increase his ability to joust among the league’s giants.

"“I feel like I’m doing well,” said Zeller. “I felt like last year I played a little underweight and if I gained 10-15 pounds, I’d be able to hold my own a lot better down there. I was able to do that, and hopefully I can continue to get better and better. I hope that will help me hold my own, rebounding-wise, as well as in the post.”"

Apr 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tyler Zeller (40) drives between Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (left) and forward Brandon Bass (30) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tyler Zeller (40) drives between Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (left) and forward Brandon Bass (30) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Zeller saw his role and opportunities diminish with the Cavaliers last season after showing promise in his rookie year. His minutes were cut from 26 per game down to 15 and as a result his numbers suffered across the board. However, when he was given the chance to play extended minutes, he produced solid, efficient numbers and with a more defined role in Boston could prove to be a valuable addition.

In the 19 games where Zeller played more than 20 minutes last season, he averaged 10.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting better than 54 percent from the field. The Boston frontcourt is deep with talent at the power forward position but as far as true centers go, Zeller has little competition and should be in-line for consistent playing time from day one.

The starting role is nothing new for Tyler Zeller, he was thrust into the starting lineup for much of his rookie season in 2012-13, starting 55 of his 77 games for the Cavaliers.

The size Zeller has added in the offseason can do nothing but help as he aims to become a quality starting center in the NBA. Already a highly skilled big with a great basketball IQ and excellent ability running the floor, the extra muscle will allow him to improve his rebounding and interior defense, something the Celtics have been sorely lacking.

The team was forced to play numerous forwards out of position at center last season and while the glut of 4s on the roster will mean this is still the case, the addition of Zeller will also allow the Celtics’ young bigs to play their more natural role at power forward.

Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tyler Zeller (40) passes the ball to guard Dion Waiters (3) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Sixers 114-85. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tyler Zeller (40) passes the ball to guard Dion Waiters (3) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Sixers 114-85. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Zeller’s outlook on the season is realistic, but also positive as he aims to help the young roster make the playoffs in the east.

"“It helps to know that we’re probably not going to win 60 games and set records with wins or anything like that,” said Zeller. “But I think we have a great opportunity to make the playoffs and make a run there. I think it’s also an opportunity where, if you lose a couple in a row, you have to stay focused and can’t get discouraged and just keep working away.”"

If Zeller can secure the starting center position in his first season as a Celtic and achieve his goal of helping the team into the playoffs it could only be viewed as an overwhelming success for a player who was traded away, essentially for free. So far Zeller is saying all the right things and it won’t be long until we get word from the Celtics’ preseason camp on how close he is to achieving his goal of being named in the starting lineup.

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