An Efficient Cody Zeller Is Providing a Much Needed Boost in Charlotte

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

One of the few bright spots in Charlotte’s rather disappointing season so far has been the play of Cody Zeller. In their 3-4 start, the second year big has improved his numbers across the board. More importantly, he’s helping them on both ends to the court.

The Basics: 22.9 MPG, 9.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 55.8 FG%, 88.2 FT%

This summer I broke down Cody Zeller’s rookie season. The big take away was that Zeller’s poor mid-range shooting hampered all parts of his offensive game. His quick first step was mitigated by sagging defenders and most of his offensive possessions originated in the high post. Once he lost faith in his jump shot he relied more on getting to the basket. The problem there was that many of his drives were contested by drooping defenders. Moreover, Zeller struggled to finish through contact as a result of his short arms and lack of strength.

This season most of Zeller’s offensive possessions are again coming off of pick-and-pops in the high post. Unlike last year, though, Zeller is hitting jump shots at a much higher rate, especially from the top of the key. So far he’s shooting 42.3% on 26 mid-range attempts. It’s a small sample size but nonetheless a major improvement over his rookie campaign, where he connected at a 28.4% clip on 148 attempts.

Zeller is also doing a much better job of finishing around the basket. Nine of his twelve baskets in the restricted area have come off of dunks, tip-ins or put backs. Essentially, he’s being more judicious with his drives and using his high motor and athleticism around the rim to create second chance points for his team. What’s more, almost a quarter of his points this season have come at the free throw line, where he is shooting an excellent 88.2%.

The Hornets’ brass have to be thrilled to see Zeller starting to become the stretch four that they envisioned when they took him fourth overall in last year’s draft. You hope for a bit more than just a high energy glue guy from such a high draft pick but for now Charlotte has to be pleased with the smarter, more efficient Zeller they’re seeing in the early going of this season.