The Boston Celtics will re-sign big man Tyler Zeller for two years, $16 million dollars:
Tyler Zeller's deal is two years, $16 million. Second year non-guaranteed.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 23, 2016
Zeller was a nice role player for the Celtics during the 2014-15 season, after they acquired him from the Cleveland Cavaliers via trade. In 2015-16, however, Zeller’s efficiency dropped off, and the big man lost his place in Boston’s rotation.
In 2014-15, Zeller averaged 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game while shooting 54.9% from the field. In 2015-16, Zeller played nearly half the minutes of the season before (11.8 per game), and averaged 6.1 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 47.6% from the field.
The re-signing of Zeller makes some sense given that Boston just let Jared Sullinger walk, and sign with the Raptors. However, the Celtics also signed star big Al Horford, so Zeller shouldn’t assume that he will receive more minutes unless he earns them with improved play.
The Celtics also have Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, and Jonas Jerebko in the rotation down low, all of whom will likely receive more minutes than Zeller. There’s also Jae Crowder, who plays the four in Boston’s small-ball lineup. There’s also Jordan Mickey, who was drafted by Boston 33rd overall last year. Mickey has shown flashes of excellence, particularly on the defensive end, and will likely earn more minutes this season.
In other Celtics news today, the C’s signed swingman Gerald Green, and also signed rookie point guard Demetrius Jackson, and reached a partially-guaranteed deal with rookie Ben Bentil:
The Celtics have agreed to guaranteed deals w/Gerald Green, Tyler Zeller, & Demetrius Jackson & partial guarantee w/Ben Bentil, source says.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 23, 2016
