The Charlotte Bobcats, for a lack of a better term, stink. They are the worst team in the NBA, and stand a pretty good shot to be holding the #1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. The worst team doesn’t always get the top pick, but even if they don’t, the Bobcats should get a top-five pick for all of their “efforts”.
With that being said, it’s only natural that fans would start to imagine the potential possibilities in a lost season that gets bleaker by the day. But in that same breath, another disastrous year could bring in an elite talent that could eventually help right the ship.
We took a look at Nerlans Noel and Ben McLemore in past posts, and now we’re on to Indiana big man Cody Zeller. Let’s see if his game makes sense for Charlotte at the highest level:
Code Zeller’s Strengths
Has a really nice, well-rounded offensive game. Has a smooth jumper with solid range, but really earns his way down low with a versatile arsenal in the paint. Isn’t afraid of contact and can trick his defender in a number of ways. Pretty solid free throw shooter. Has the size and tenacity you look for. Already has a solid frame and can easily get bigger and stronger for the next level. Adept footwork and fundamentals. Won’t be out-worked out out-smarted when he has the ball in his hands. High basketball IQ and a terrific leader. Clutch performer. Capable defender. Runs the floor well. Very solid rebounder with potential to get much better. Efficient. Knows when to take shots and where to take them. Probably doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the world, but is arguably one of the safer picks in this year’s crop.
Cody Zeller’s Weaknesses
Fluid and agile, but definitely not an elite athlete. Not particularly explosive or powerful around the rim. Could stand to bulk up and get a little stronger for both sides of the court. Isn’t a big shot-blocker. Can defend, but still needs to improve in this area. Can he be a go-to scorer at the next level? Needs to be more consistently assertive on offense. Doesn’t have an outside shot yet. Doesn’t scream elite in any way, so could be a reach in the top-five.
Should the Bobcats Draft Cody Zeller?
I don’t see Zeller being an All-Star in the NBA, so I’m not completely sold on him in the top-three. However, if the Bobcats get screwed and find themselves at four or lower in the lottery, he would not be a bad backup plan at all. Zeller has good size and versatility, and really brings all the intangibles you want from a big man. He has offense, can defend, has the ideal size, and has some ceiling left to reach for.
