With the 2017-18 regular season soon to be underway, the Brooklyn Nets have added more depth in their frontcourt with the signing of Tyler Zeller.
The Brooklyn Nets are continuing to trend in the right direction as the team continues to make adjustments to their roster. The additions of D’Angelo Russell and Allen Crabbe have given some optimism to a tortured fanbase faced with consecutive terrible seasons. The latest signing comes in the form of the versatile big man Tyler Zeller who finished last season with the Boston Celtics.
Zeller signed a two-year deal with the Nets guaranteed for the upcoming season and non-guaranteed for 2018-19, according to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The former University of North Carolina college basketball star has had an up and down career in the NBA. His last three seasons with the Celtics saw him go from the starting center position, posting impressive numbers of 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 2014, to barely playing in a reserve role last season for the top-seeded team in the East.
The Nets added more insurance for the center position that currently has Timofey Mozgov slated as the starter, followed by 2017 first round draft pick Jarrett Allen. Zeller is definitely the more offensive-minded big man of the trio, with a proven track record of being able to create his own scoring opportunities. It would be a helpful trade-off with Zeller providing the scoring punch and Mozgov clogging up the middle defensively during games, creating matchup opportunities for head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Since Zeller is expected to be a reserve in Brooklyn, it’s very important for him to continue his positive, always-ready attitude. Celtics head coach Brad Stevens raved about Zeller back in 2016 while talking with reporters after a game against the New York Knicks. After losing his starting role but contributing a big game off the bench, Zeller proved his value and veteran reliability.
"“There’s not a person around that’s not happy to see him do well. He has sacrificed quite a bit throughout the whole season for our team. You really trust him. I mean, he played great. He’s a pro. He’s always ready, I have so much respect for him, It’s been great to see, and again, you root for guys that do that.”"
The veteran production and consistency off the bench will be crucial for the Nets as they attempt to change the culture in Brooklyn. Mozgov’s injury-proneness could force some starter opportunities for Zeller, creating chances to prove himself as a great companion for the talented Nets backcourt. An inside-outside connection with either Russell or Jeremy Lin could be just what the Nets need to create a buzz in the Eastern Conference.
The 27-year-old is probably at the crossroads in his career and Nets fans should be ready for a motivated Zeller still trying to garner more respect in the league. As a former college national champion and member of consecutive winning seasons in Boston, he brings that mentality to a group that hasn’t felt like winners in a longtime.
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Grade: B