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.
As part of Boston’s perfect 4-0 week, Zeller owned the best net rating on the team at plus-11.4 points per 100 possessions (a bucket better than Thomas, who finished at plus-9.4). The Celtics owned a team-best offensive rating of 109.6 when Zeller was on the floor, and a defensive rating of 98.2 during that span that was nothing to sneeze at, either.
Over those four games to start the month of February, Zeller averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 blocks over 20.5 minutes per game. He shot 68.8 percent and owned the best total rebound percentage (18.2) on the team in that span.
What’s most impressive is that Zeller, with 18 DNPs to his name this season, has been a consistent late-game presence after essentially being glued to the bench for much of the early part of the season. His professionalism in not only accepting a diminished role — Zeller started 59 games while appearing in all 82 tilts last season — but staying ready for when his number was called is not lost on his teammates.
Hot damn… I knew Tyler Zeller was playing well of late but I didn’t realize he was shooting 70% and dominating the glass.
It’s one thing to accept a bench role with professionalism, but it’s remarkable to do so while watching your replacement stumble and bumble his way around the court.
So Brad Stevens has pushed the Zeller button and it’s working to perfection. However, it’s coming at a cost named Amir Johnson:
With Zeller and Jared Sullinger elevating their play recently, it has caused a downturn in minutes for Amir Johnson (just 17.3 minutes per game over the past four games). Because the two-year, $24 million contract Johnson signed this past offseason is non-guaranteed next season, there’s a thought that he might be a possible trade asset for Boston at the deadline (particularly if the market is thin on available bigs). Johnson’s defense and rim protection probably makes that unlikely, and an uptick in minutes is as close as a teammate’s next slump. The bottom line is that Zeller’s improved play has potentially given Danny Ainge additional flexibility at the deadline, while maybe also preventing an urge to overspend on big-man help.
Without knowing what Danny has cooking, I wouldn’t write off Johnson just yet. His January numbers are strong (8.8 ppg, 64% FG, 7.9 rpg) and I love the toughness and attitude he brings to this team. It’s on Stevens to keep pushing the right buttons at the right time.
Fickle Editor’s note: I’m pretty sure my tone on the revolving rotation will change if the Celts hit a losing streak.
Related link: Herald – Zeller raises his benchmark
On Page 2, Boston is climbing the power rankings.
In the midst of a 9-1 surge, with the offense humming, Celtics radio play-by-play ace Sean Grande paid us a visit Sunday night on the NBA Insiders show on ESPN Radio and pointed out that Boston not only ranks sixth in the league in nightly point differential (at plus-4.3), but also sports a top-six record in the whole league since the last Super Bowl.
The Celtics are still closer (in the loss column) to 10th place than second place in the East, but a 9-1 stretch, highlighted by Avery Bradley’s buzzer beater in Cleveland, has them looking stronger than ever. Evan Turner (13.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists over the 10 games) has evolved into a pretty good player and a key to their bench success, but is only one of seven Celtics averaging double-figures in this stretch.
Not much of a surprise, but still cool to see in print.
Does anyone else stare and smile at the standings like they would a supermodel?
The rest of the links
Mass Live – IT named EC Player of the Week | Sullinger, Turner share tight bond | Globe – Cs knew what they were doing with Stevens |
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