Robb: Tyler Zeller's Offensive Efficiency, Defensive Ability Could Earn Him Starting Minutes
BOSTON – Knowing one's limitations is a tremendous asset for any NBA player, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Right now, there might not be a single player in the league better at picking his spots than Celtics reserve center Tyler Zeller.
The seven-footer has taken just 29 field-goal attempts this season, but he has managed to hit 25 of them, giving him a league-leading 86.2 shooting percentage from the field through his first nine games in green. All but one of those shots have come from within the paint, as Zeller has found the seams within the defense and finished at nearly every possible opportunity.
Zeller's efficiency was highlighted Monday night in Boston's loss to the Suns, during which he hit eight of nine shots and posted season-high points (19), rebounds (7) and minutes (27). The performance had his head coach and his teammates complimenting the big man after the game, despite the team's setback.
"He played one hell of a game tonight," Jared Sullinger said. "His finish around the basket, he was setting screens, really helpful on the defensive end."
"He was just good," Brad Stevens said after the game. "I mean, he plays hard, and I thought he played well. I thought he was our, kind of our go-to interior guy tonight. And he did a good job on both ends, and there were a couple times that he did a great job protecting the rim or showing verticality in the second half when we don't come up with rebounds."
Despite his efficiency, Zeller has been stuck behind a deep Celtics front line of Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger and Brandon Bass for much of the first few weeks of the season. Zeller is averaging a meager 14.4 minutes per game while trying to get acclimated to his new teammates and coaches. Monday night's performance suggests he's starting to figure out his role.
"I'm much more comfortable," Zeller said. "I think I'm starting to figure out my teammates as well as my teammates [are figuring] out what I want to do, where I want the ball. They do a great job of getting the ball to me on time, and they make my job easy."
Zeller has already established a particularly strong connection with team captain Rajon Rondo. Over the past several seasons, the Celtics superstar point guard hasn't had a big man who rolls to the rim as consistently as Zeller on pick-and-rolls.
"He's always looked comfortable," Rondo said of Zeller. "I played with Zeller before training camp and he's a great roller, he's the best roller we have, he has great hands and great touch with both hands around the rim, so he's getting more minutes, and he's earned them."
As the Celtics continue to struggle defensively, especially on the interior in recent games, Zeller is making a strong case to see bigger minutes and perhaps to become a starter in place of Olynyk. Stevens admitted at practice on Tuesday that he's considering making changes, but Zeller will remain patient with whatever decision his head coach makes.
"You have to be ready to play at any time, and make the best out of whatever you get, and that's what I'm trying to do so. Whenever Coach puts me in, I just try to go do whatever I can," Zeller said.
A bigger opportunity for Zeller could come as soon as Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Stevens needs to make some adjustments to slow down his team's defensive woes, and inserting Zeller into the starting lineup may not be a bad place to begin.
Brian Robb covers the Celtics for CBS Boston and contributes to NBA.com, among other media outlets. You can follow him on Twitter @CelticsHub.
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