Should the Atlanta Hawks take an interest in Cody Zeller?
Now that the NBA is almost ready to start there are a lot of decent players who are being waived by teams looking to make their rosters ready for the season. In this light, the Atlanta Hawks waived four players between the second and third preseason games.
Other teams are starting to do the same with the Utah Jazz cutting three players. One of these is Cody Zeller who is a nine-year NBA veteran. Zellar could have helped the Jazz but there is a possibility that they are looking to get the best pick possible to aid their rebuild.
Still, what is the Jazz’s loss, could, in fact, benefit the Hawks. Clint Capela was not ready to go in the recent preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Onyeka Okongwu was an able replacement but unfortunately, the Hawks looked too small, and when the third-year big man was off the floor, their rim protection was lacking.
Should the Atlanta Hawks look at Cody Zeller for the final roster spot?
Recently we looked at whether Derrick Favors should be offered the final roster spot. However, there is a good possibility that his services will be in tremendous demand from contenders and this may price him out of the Hawks’ ability to get him to Georgia.
However, Zeller is not in the same league as Favors, and his cost may be lower, potentially keeping the Hawks under the luxury tax threshold. Zeller could be an excellent third option for the Hawks, taking a backup role if required.
However, there are some issues with signing Zeller which need to be addressed. He is a solid offensive player without being spectacular. During his eight-year tenure with the Charlotte Hornets, he averaged 8.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Then last season with the Portland Trail Blazers he averaged 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 rebounds.
However, Zeller’s biggest issue is actually staying on the court. He had one season where he managed to play every game which was his rookie season. He only has one other season where he surpassed 70 games. In fact, he has only four seasons where he has played 60 games.
dark. Next. Could Vit Krejci be a valid rotation piece for the Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks do not want a player who they cannot play due to them being injured. This has stopped the Hawks’ advance over the past two seasons and they need to do all that they can to have players with a history of health. So no, the Atlanta Hawks should not sign Cody Zeller if they can avoid it.