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Boston Celtics Player Profile: Tyler Zeller

By Eric Laboissonniere

Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) runs down the court during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated Boston Celtics 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) runs down the court during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated Boston Celtics 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last offseason, the Boston Celtics added some new low-risk, high reward players to their system, and one of those players was Tyler Zeller, who made a name for himself in Boston last season.

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Zeller was one of the most consistent contributors for the Celtics last season on both ends of the floor. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, and he started in 59 regular season games and he started in every postseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.

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He was a do-everything player for the Celtics last season, and he was easily the most consistent and reliable frontcourt player for the Celtics last season.

Zeller impressed with his great post moves last season on the offensive end. He has great footwork and length down in the paint, which is why he has the ability to hit tough shots down in the paint. Zeller’s length also comes in handy on the defensive end, especially because he is a decent rim-protector. Zeller shot 54.9 percent from the field last season, which is rather impressive.

He also showed his range by displaying his mid-range game. Zeller is not just a center who can only score from up close, he can score in a variety of ways, which is why he was so vital for the Celtics last season in the frontcourt.

Zeller’s outlook for the future

Zeller had a much better season than expected, but he still has much room for improvement, especially on the defensive end. He is a decent rim protector but at times he seems like a non-factor on defense. Zeller needs to put more focus on his man-to-man defense because he has great size for a center.

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    • His offensive production has never been a problem, but next season he has the ability to really make the leap and become a big-time low post scorer for the Celtics. He could easily average between 12 and 15 points per game next season, he just really needs to be more confident in himself and ask for the ball more.

    The only problem with Zeller is that he cannot stretch the floor, which is not really that big of problem. He really showed last season that he can shoot deep mid-range jumpers, which is why he does not really need to stretch the floor and shoot from deep.

    Zeller was literally one of the only reliable options down in the paint last season, but now the Celtics have added both Amir Johnson and David Lee to frontcourt who will help on both ends of the floor. Zeller will still get plenty of playing time, and he will still have a big impact next season, but now the Celtics have plenty of great offensive options down in the paint for next season.

    Zeller is a great frontcourt player that shined for the Celtics last season, but he still has room to grow as a defender. Zeller should try and play with more confidence and drive on the offensive end, if he does that, he should be able to put up big numbers on the offensive end.

    Bottom line: Zeller really helps the Celtics win basketball games.

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