Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
So what can Zeller bring to the C’s?
“Just my ability to run the floor,” he said, “just be able to set screens or rolls or pops . . . the length and size I bring defensively I think is something they’re looking for.”
And if all goes to plan, a bigger Zeller will arrive at Celtics camp. He’s working on a few things, including bulking up.
“One of them has just been gaining strength, gaining some weight, just to be able to bang a little better with the [centers],” Zeller said. “I only weighed 240-245 pounds last year so I was a little undersized, but I want to gain some weight and also be able to keep my speed. Other than that, just working on a lot of finishes, a lot of shots and just trying to become more efficient offensively.”
I realize it’s early August, but I’m curious how the Celtics front court rotation will shake out. I want to see Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk start at PF and C and log a majority of the minutes at those positions. Zeller and Brandon Bass will likely be the top back-ups.
Provided he’s not serving time for drunk driving in Spain, Vitor Faverani could steal some minutes. I expect Joel Anthony to collect dust at the end of the bench.
Zeller isn’t a shooter like Olynyk, but he’s a better athlete who brings a bit more of a post game (and I use that term loosely). He’s not going to remind us of Dikembe Mutombo, but on this squad, he’s the best rim protector we have.
And despite what we are seeing from Olynyk on Team Canada, he’s not going to log any minutes at point guard.
Related links: Celtics.com – Zeller exclusive interview | ESPN Boston – No. 44 for Zeller
On Page 2, Marcus Smart can shut you down and make you laugh.
Smart tied with Philadelphia’s K.J. McDaniels while earning 13.5 percent of the vote among the 38 first-year players surveyed Sunday at the rookie photo shoot in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Smart was voted second funniest (behind only Twitter darling Joel Embiid) and third best playmaker (behind Phoenix’s Tyler Ennis and San Antonio’s Kyle Anderson). Smart also received votes — but did not finish in top 6 — in a question asking who would win Rookie of the Year.
James Young, Boston’s other first-round pick, tied for fifth place in voting for “most overlooked” rookie.
ESPN Boston (via NBA.com)
I feel like Celtics fans are sleeping on this kid. Maybe we’re all still depressed about falling to 6th in the lottery and losing out on Kevin Love.
The rest of the links:
Globe – Dish Network drops CSNNE | BR – Can James Young make an impact?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
