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Charlotte Hornets: 25 Best Players To Play For The Hornets

By Phil Watson

Jan 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; General view of the court during the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets won 97-84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; General view of the court during the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets won 97-84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

2013-16. Cody Zeller. 17. player. 170. <strong>How acquired:</strong> 4th overall pick from Indiana, 2013 NBA Draft.. C

An All-American as a sophomore at Indiana, Cody Zeller declared himself pro-ready after averaging 16.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game that season.

The Charlotte Bobcats, in the market for a big man, selected the 7-footer with the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

CHA_17_ZELLER
CHA_17_ZELLER /

Zeller was a second team All-Rookie selection in 2013-14, appearing in every game and making three starts.

With the re-branded Hornets, he got more extensive playing time in 2014-15, starting 45 games, but a torn shoulder tendon kept him out for 20 games and eventually required surgery.

In 2015-16, Zeller supplanted injury-riddled Al Jefferson as the Hornets’ starting center, making 60 starts in 73 games and averaging 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 24.3 minutes per game, shooting .529/1-for-10/.754.

That continues the steady climb in his production through his first three seasons.

In three seasons in Charlotte, Zeller is averaging 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game on .474/2-for-12/.752 shooting.

Zeller is entering the final year of his rookie contract, with Charlotte picking up its fourth-year option in November 2015.

Next: Former No. 2 Pick Settling In For Buzz City

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