One of the few staples on the Hornets roster over the last decade, Cody Zeller’s eighth season in Charlotte was largely what has come to be expected of the forward, both good and bad.
On the positive side, Zeller continued to be a positive player on the court, ranking second in net rating on the season. On the flip side, injuries continued to hamper Zeller as they often have in his career, limiting his time on the court and hampering the Hornets in the process.
Now, for the first time in his career, Zeller is a free agent and with the Hornets actively looking for upgrades at his position, his time in Charlotte may have come to an end.
Stat of the Season
2.0.
As previously mentioned, Zeller finished with a net rating of plus-2.0. Only Devonte’ Graham at plus-2.1 ranked higher this season.
Notable Exit Interview Quote
“I don’t necessarily meet the eye test. I’m not going to block three shots a game. I’m not going to make four or five threes a game. But when I’m on the court, the team plays well. And that’s been throughout my career. Because I am willing to put my body on the line. Like an offensive lineman, it’s like, I don’t want to or I don’t need any of the credit but there’s a reason why my teammates get open shots. There’s a reason why we’re playing better when I’m on the court. I think that’s where I want to be somewhere that what I bring to the team is valued”
Overview
In hindsight, Zeller getting injured halfway through the opening game of the regular season was an omen for the Hornets season. Zeller’s season stuttering just as it started immediately put the Hornets behind the eight ball in the front court and the team was never able to get back ahead.
Between injuries and falling out of the rotation, Zeller never played more than 16 consecutive games this season. While it makes the fact he was a positive overall contributor more impressive, it also highlights the problems the team had at center.
Late in the season, head coach James Borrego sought all sorts of options for the Hornets at center that didn’t always include Zeller. And yet, he went out on a personal high as likely Charlotte’s best player in their blowout loss to the Pacers in the play-in game.
Outlook
It’s hard to listen to Zeller’s comments in his exit interview about being wanted as his biggest priority in free agency and not think his time in Charlotte is done. To put it plainly, Zeller wasn’t valued this season by the Hornets, at least not in the way he almost certainly desires.
It’s no fault of the Hornets or Zeller. After long being a good fit on the team, this version of the Hornets needed something different than what Zeller could offer. While he certainly still could return, it’d be a surprise.
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