The Under Appreciated Bigs
1.Cody Zeller, Charlotte Hornets
Kemba Walker has got all the buzz in Charlotte and rightfully so, he deserves to be an all-star. However, Cody Zeller may be the second most important player for Charlotte. In his fourth season, Zeller is averaging career highs across the board. Averaging 10.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and shooting a very efficient 58 percent from the field.
Zeller has struggled with some injuries this year, and the Hornets have struggled mightily without him. When Zeller plays the Hornets are a solid 22-17, and without him they are a horrible 2-13. Cody is an important part of the Hornets offense. He is an excellent screener, he will come in hard one way and then at the last second flip his body to set the screen on the opposite side. Him and Batum have developed some nice pick and roll chemistry, that’s usually the secondary option after Kemba.
He is an underrated athlete who can finish above the rim. Not only is he a great roll threat, he has a nice midrange jumper, so he can be used in pick and pop as well. His PER is 17.7, which speaks to his impact. Cody doesn’t do one thing very well, but he does everything pretty well. He has become a solid rim protector, and enough of a threat on offense. Zeller is the glue guy for the Hornets, and they need him healthy if they want to make the playoffs.