Tyler Zeller wore a Boston Celtics uniform for three seasons. Just when it appeared that he would wear one no longer, his name popped up in rumors about a potential return. The team should be looking for a big man, but it needs to be the right big man. Zeller did not prove himself during his brief NBA career -- is that because he hasn't had the opportunity, though? If it is, that might not necessarily change during the 2017-18 season.
Zeller's potential return
Zeller's name was floated by Adam Himmelsbach in a story for The Boston Globe. After the trade that netted the team Kyrie Irving (but traded away three players), the Celtics have an open roster spot, which they can only really fill with a minimum contract due to the team's salary cap situation. The big man would certainly fit the bill as a cheap option, especially considering the lack of offers he seems to be receiving on the open market since being waived on July 2.
Whether or not he's worth the spot is a different question than whether or not he's affordable -- he is.
But since making the All-Rookie Second Team in 2013 -- with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ironically -- he hasn't done a great deal. He was a starter in 2014-15, averaging 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. His playing time and numbers have dropped precipitously since then, with Zeller averaging just 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game last season in 10.3 minutes per game -- that doesn't sound like a player Brad Stevens is interested in in terms of being part of his Celtics rotation.
Other options for the Celtics
The biggest name the Celtics are reportedly considering for the spot belongs to someone who sizes up similarly to Zeller, but has a wealth of experience the young big man doesn't have.
Adding Andrew Bogut would be a huge irony, considering the difference he was set to make for the Cavs last season before going down with a season-ending injury during his debut with the team. Nevertheless, he's one of the most talented unrestricted big men left on the market.
Shooting guard Tony Allen is a nostalgic option for the Celtics -- he played for the team from 2004 to 2010. Despite his age, he still plays some pesky defense. Another former fan favorite for the spot could be Gerald Green. Free agency in the NBA has slowed to a glacial pace, though the team is likely going to take their time and assess all options before figuring out which piece best compliments their conference title-worthy roster.