Zeller impressing C's with passing, speed

Every now and then A. Sherrod writes something I actually want to read...

Zeller impressing C's with passing, speed

October 1, 2014, 5:15 pm


WALTHAM, Mass. — Tyler Zeller is known for running the floor like a 7-foot gazelle.

But in the short time he has been in Boston, his new teammates and coaches have seen there's more to his game.

Even head coach Brad Stevens who has known Zeller and his family for years after he tried to recruit Tyler's older brother Luke to Butler, is seeing a side of the big man he didn't know existed.

"Probably the thing I've been, maybe the biggest surprise about Tyler Zeller has been the way he passes the ball," Stevens said.

Having big men with a knack for passing is indeed an important component of the Celtics, especially with point guard Rajon Rondo (broken left hand) out for as many as 10 weeks.

Both Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk have been praised for their all-around games which includes being good passers.

"I'm excited about our bigs being able to pass the ball as much as anything else," Stevens said. "We've talked about if they can stretch it, it's better for us shooting it. But them being able to pass is important, too."

Zeller is not looking to stretch the floor like Sullinger and Olynyk, evident by Zeller taking just five 3-pointers in his career - all misses.

Instead he has made it a point to contribute in a multitude of other areas.

And his efforts have not gone unnoticed.

"Tyler, he bangs down low. He gets up and down the floor faster than some of the guards do," said Boston's Marcus Smart. "That's always good that your big can get down the floor that fast."

Celtics wing man Evan Turner echoed similar sentiments when asked about the 24-year-old Zeller.

"The coolest thing about Zeller is he runs the floor really well," Turner said. "He's one of the big men on the team who does unique things ... and also gives the other team matchup problems."

Still, Zeller understands that the ebb and flow of an NBA season can result in his role changing.

That's why his preparation remains the same, regardless of whether he's in the rotation or not.

Last season in Cleveland, Zeller's minutes were limited at first with the addition of Andrew Bynum. Once the All-Star break came and Bynum was shipped out to Chicago,  Zeller's playing time was back on the rise as he nearly doubled his scoring (7.8 to 4.3) as well as experienced an increase in rebounds (4.9 from 3.5) and minutes played (18 from 13) per game.

"You have to continue to work," Zeller said. "If you're not going to play or think you're not going to play, make sure you get your work in before the game and continue to work on your game and get better so that when you do get that opportunity you're as ready as possible."

A. Sherrod Blakely serves as Comcast SportsNet's NBA Insider. Read more from Sherrod here, or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.