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Indiana Basketball: Reviewing old scouting reports of Cody Zeller

By Trevor Gersmehl

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 24: Cody Zeller #40 of the Indiana Hoosiers drives with the ball against Anthony Lee #3 of the Temple Owls in the second half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 24, 2013 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 24: Cody Zeller #40 of the Indiana Hoosiers drives with the ball against Anthony Lee #3 of the Temple Owls in the second half during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 24, 2013 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 15: Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play in the game against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 15: Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play in the game against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Cody Zeller: NBADraft.net scouting report

NBADraft.net compared Zeller to LaMarcus Aldridge (an odd comparison if you ask me). They liken his ability to run the floor to a gazelle and love his body control in the low post. Unlike the other articles, they cite his competitive fire and unselfishness as positives in his game.

"“Ceiling may be lower than some, but his basement is higher than most,” they said. “In a draft with few sure things, Zeller will be a desirable prospect as a player with little bust potential”"

Durability was also listed as a plus for Zeller, as he never missed a game at IU. They also praised him for being able to hang with Kentucky’s Anthony Davis in two matchups during his freshman season.

In addition to a lack of strength and jump shooting, NBADraft.net also was concerned about Zeller’s lack of shot-blocking ability and limited defensive potential. They also called him unselfish to a fault and said that he lacked an alpha-dog mentality.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, unlike his teammate Victor Oladipo, Zeller has never lived up to his top-five draft pick potential. All the concerns about his lack of strength were true, and although he manages to pull in over seven rebounds per game every year, he has never averaged more than 11.1 points per game in the NBA. He never developed a consistent jump shot and was drafted right before the league changed completely.

Now, centers are valued for their ability to get up and down the floor quickly, but also for their defense (mainly rim protection). Zeller just doesn’t fit the prototype of the modern NBA center as long as he doesn’t have a three-point shot. He’ll still be in the NBA for a while, and he’s always been a somewhat solid player but has not made anywhere near the impact one would hope.

Next. Indiana Basketball: Reviewing old scouting reports of Victor Oladipo. dark

However, Zeller has also played his whole career on a team that is plagued by an inability to draft effective talent. Perhaps a change of scenery would suit him well.

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