CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Over his first six NBA seasons in Charlotte, center Cody Zeller was attached to an abundance of "nots."
Not quite strong enough. Not a rim-protector. Not a prolific scorer. Not durable.
You know what he is this season to the Charlotte Hornet?
Not replaceable.
There is no wider gap between a starter and his backups than at center. Zeller is averaging career highs in points (14 per game), rebounds (12.4) and minutes (29). He's healthy _ no given the past two seasons _ and he has expanded his game into 3-point shooting and greater ball-movement.
The emergence of Devonte Graham and rookie P.J. Washington have been bigger stories, perhaps, but Zeller's steady play has been as impactful as anything in the Hornets' surprising 3-3 start.
"We want to play through him," Hornets coach James Borrego described of Zeller's role. "Cody allows us to play a number of ways, especially with pace. He's a great runner. He starts our offense in transition.
"And he has to play-make for us _ on and off the ball. He's been primarily a screener (offensively) over the years. Right now, I want the ball in his hands at the top of the (key) in DHO (dribble-handoffs)."
That reflects a dramatic change since All-NBA point guard Kemba Walker signed with the Boston Celtics in July. Walker was the beginning, middle and end of Charlotte's offense; by Zeller's estimate, Walker was central to at least 80% of Charlotte plays.
Six Hornets are averaging double-figure scoring. Zeller is by far the most experienced of the five Hornets starters. Washington, Miles Bridges and Dwayne Bacon are still newbies to NBA starts, and Terry Rozier is converting from a four-season reserve role with the Celtics.
"My first six years, it was all pick-and-roll with Kemba," Zeller said. "It's much different, but I feel comfortable, and we're figuring it out on the fly."
