2012 NBA Draft Grades: Mavericks Select Tyler Zeller For Cavs

Dallas Mavericks (for Cleveland Cavaliers)
Pick 17 Tyler Zeller

Jack Winter-Saving the Skyhook

This pick is reportedly being made by Dallas for the Cleveland, and Zeller is a perfect fit for the Cavaliers. The Cavs don’t have a reliable center on the roster, so Zeller’s dramatic slide to the middle of the first round was the ideal scenario. What Zeller lacks in star power he makes up for in size and effectiveness; he was one of the best players in college basketball last season, productive on both ends of the floor. He’s likely not an All-Star, but is almost guaranteed to play ten years in the NBA, a key factor for a young team on the rise. At seventeen, you could do much, much worse. Good pick.

Grade: A-

Quixem Ramirez- Air Alamo
Chad Ford reported that Zeller will be traded to Cleveland. I’m surprised Zeller dropped this far considering he’s polished for a big man, can run the floor and can capably anchor Cleveland’s 26th ranked defense. If they keep Varejao, Cleveland has a pretty decent frontcourt trio going on here.

Grade: A

Bryan Rosa – A Royal Pain

Zeller dropping to 17 was a bit odd given many expected him to go a few picks higher, but his fantastic motor and ability to run the floor at 7 feet will be a welcome addition in Cleveland. I wasn’t a big fan of the Cavs’ first round pick, but Zeller will be a solid addition near the 20th pick when some mocks had him as high at 10 or 11. He will need to add some mass to his 7 foot frame, but that can be said for nearly all big men at this stage. Should excel in a fast paced system.

Grade: B+