Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The 7-foot center is among three Celtics (Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones III) from the 2012 draft class who are in line for a potential extension this fall. But of the trio, Zeller is the most likely to get a deal done prior to the October 31 deadline.
Zeller averaged 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. And when he did play, he was effective: He had which a 19.01 player efficiency rating, which is about four points higher than the average NBA player.
Even though Zeller is coming off his most productive season, building off that success won’t be easy. He came to Boston last year at a time when opportunity was abundant for anyone who could essentially run up the floor and breathe at the same time. And, to Zeller’s credit, he made the most of his chances to play even if his minutes fluctuated.
Now, however, Boston’s frontcourt has more proven depth than a year ago. The returning cast of Zeller, Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko has been joined by veterans Amir Johnson and David Lee, a two-time All-Star. It’s unlikely Zeller will get the kind of playing time that will translates into major minutes this season, which will certainly impact his next contract.
Zeller was one of last season’s pleasant surprises, scoring efficiently in a variety of ways and providing on-again, off-again rim protection for a Boston defense in desperate need of it. Depending on team context, Zeller looks like either a dynamite third big man or a very nice fourth/fifth starter. Those guys are going to run into the eight figures in the new NBA, and if Boston can snag Zeller long-term for anything under $12 million, it may jump at the chance.
Of all the “bigs” on the Celtics roster, Tyler Zeller is the only pure center on this roster, but that doesn’t really matter much in today’s NBA.
I’d argue the competition for minutes also includes Jordan Mickey, whose shot blocking and rebounding skills could set him apart from the group mentioned above. Brad Stevens will have the option to mix and match all sorts of combinations, but it won’t be easy.
Five bigs earned 17+ minutes per game last season: Zeller (22.5 mpg), Bass (21.5 mpg), Sullinger (20 mpg), Jerebko (17 mpg) and Olynyk (13.3 mpg).
Bass’ court time (and then some) will be gobbled up by Johnson and Lee. I think we’re all hoping Kelly Olynyk improves his game, thus warranting more action. With only 96 total minutes to go around, I’m not sure how Stevens is going to get all these guys in.
If Zeller puts together a decent season and Danny Ainge decides to resign him, we can look north for a comparison. The Raptors are reportedly on the verge of locking down Jonas Valuncias (12 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.2 bpg) with a 4 year, $60 million extension. Zeller doesn’t have quite the promise of Valuncias so that $12 million number thrown out by Zach Lowe seems fair.
On Page 2, Rajon Rondo’s home is up for sale.
The lower level of Rajon Rondo’s home would be enough to pique the interest of any home buyer. No wonder the property stole the attention of the former Celtics star.
Home theater? Check. Lounge with galley kitchen and fireplace? Game room? Bedroom with full bath? Check. Check. Check.
How about a grooming space complete with barber’s chair and mirror? Yup.
And that’s just in the walkout basement of Rondo’s Lincoln home, which quietly went on the market in May for $2.45 million. Now that the family has moved out of 9 Fridolin Hill , the news has gone public, and the asking price has been reduced to $1.99 million.
One warning to potential buyers, one of those bathrooms has a super slippery shower.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
