Farewell Tyler White Diamonds Zeller

[Nathan S]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

It's tough to defend centers when you have a 8'8.5" standing reach, which according to DX is the worst measurement ever by a center drafted in the first round. It doesn't help that at 7' tall, he doesn't have a low center of gravity either.

For fun, here are some players with a higher standing reach than Tyler:

Tristan Thompson, 9'0.5"
Omri Casspi, 8'10.5"
Luke Harangody, 8'10"
Shaun Livingston, 8'9.5"
Kevin Jones, 8'9"

And an honorable mention:

Luke Walton, 8'8"

 

[Randolphkeys]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

As I mentioned after the draft, seven footers who can actually play basketball aren't available at #17 unless there is something wrong with them. In Zeller's case, its the standing reach. It may limit him to being a cusp starter throughout his career, but there is literally no benefit to complaining about it. Unless engineers develop Go Go Gadget Arm technology, Zeller's reach is not a fixable or coachable trait.

His demeanor and strength, along with establishing a lower defensive stance for balance, are coach
able.

 

[Nathan S]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Unless engineers develop Go Go Gadget Arm technology, Zeller's reach is not a fixable or coachable trait.

Isn't that what Durant has?

Jokes aside, does anyone else think it would be possible for Zeller to defend PFs some? It would be a learning experience, but subjectively I think he has the requisite lateral quickness to defend the position, and his agility numbers at the combine were above average for a PF as well. I agree that we should give him another season to see if he can make it happen at center, but I think he might have more success at PF in the long-run if he can get comfortable there.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Isn't that what Durant has?

Jokes aside, does anyone else think it would be possible for Zeller to defend PFs some? It would be a learning experience, but subjectively I think he has the requisite lateral quickness to defend the position, and his agility numbers at the combine were above average for a PF as well. I agree that we should give him another season to see if he can make it happen at center, but I think he might have more success at PF in the long-run if he can get comfortable there.

Kevin Love has the same standing reach as Zeller, and probably the same athleticism. It would be wise for Zeller to develop his perimeter skills offensively while toughening up on the defensive end to become a poor man's Love.

 

[Phills14]

Re: Welcome Dion Waiters (All-Rookie First Team)

3 coaches thought Zeller was 1st team all Rookie? Really?

 

[Fuggles]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Kevin Love has the same standing reach as Zeller, and probably the same athleticism. It would be wise for Zeller to develop his perimeter skills offensively while toughening up on the defensive end to become a poor man's Love.

Strength is part of athleticism and Love is way out ahead in that department.

 

[Nathan S]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Kevin Love has the same standing reach as Zeller, and probably the same athleticism. It would be wise for Zeller to develop his perimeter skills offensively while toughening up on the defensive end to become a poor man's Love.

Good point. I've always loved (no pun intended) how Love uses his seemingly meager physical gifts to his advantage. He doesn't waste his time pursuing blocks that he knows he has no chance of getting, instead focusing on moving his feet and using his lower body strength to stay between his man and the basket and make an impact on the boards. No reason Zeller can't do the same.

EDIT:

Strength is part of athleticism and Love is way out ahead in that department.

You can't get taller, but you can always get stronger.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Strength is part of athleticism and Love is way out ahead in that department.

Love made 2nd team All Rookie behind Mayo and Beasley in 2009. Its easy to forget that he needed a year or two to adjust to the NBA. Im not saying Zeller is bound to be a future All Star like Love, just that they both had question marks on bad teams as rookies. Obviously Love overcame those limitations.

 

[Cavatt]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Surprising he has the worst standing reach. I think he can still be good. I think he will make a leap this year. He was just overmatched most of the time, and was caught thinking too much. He started to roll a bit at least on offense when he would just shoot or just drive instead of faking and getting himself out of rhythm. Mike brown will likely take advantage of his footspeed, and hopefully turn him into a good positional defender.

 

[Douglar]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Strength is part of athleticism and Love is way out ahead in that department.

I wouldn't say athleticism or strength as the main differences. I'd probably list them after the advantages that Love has in foot work, rebounding, that Love has a lower center of gravity, seems to enjoy contact, has a reliable outside shot, and was 3 years younger in his rookie season.

 

[Tornicade]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

I wouldn't say athleticism or strength. I'd say the biggest differences are that Love has better foot work, a lower center of gravity, seems to enjoy contact, and has a reliable outside shot. other than that, I guess they are both white. They got that similarity.

All white guys play alike

 

[AuxiliaryPie]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

All white guys play alike

 

[The Process God]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Love made 2nd team All Rookie behind Mayo and Beasley in 2009. Its easy to forget that he needed a year or two to adjust to the NBA. Im not saying Zeller is bound to be a future All Star like Love, just that they both had question marks on bad teams as rookies. Obviously Love overcame those limitations.

Love found a way. <3

 

[mAo_mAo]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

He needs to eat. He is too thin to play the position.

 

[getBUCKED]

Re: Tyler Zeller: CHOCOLATE SNOW !!!

Zeller = Poor man's Love? I don't think that's accurate at all, but boy would I love to see him included in a trade for Love.