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Charlotte Hornets: Where Each Starter Can Improve

By Jerry Stephens

Dec 26, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Ramon Sessions (7) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Ramon Sessions (7) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

C: Cody Zeller – Interior Defense

Age: 23

2015-16 Averages: 8.7 PPG, 1.0 APG, 6.2 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 24.3 MPG

2015-16 Shooting Stats: 52.9 % FG, 10% 3PG, 75.4% FT

Cody Zeller will be entering a crucial stage in his career this season as he will be playing in the final year of his rookie deal. Many players see a jump in their performance in year three just like Cody did but sustaining the performance he had last year while also improving upon it this season will be the true test.

Zeller has now become the Charlotte Hornets’ starting center after a few years of developing off of the bench behind Big Al Jefferson. With Jefferson now gone, Cody has to take over the role as the main man in the middle. With the line-up that the team has, Zeller will be asked to rebound and defend at a high level.

He has already shown improvement to his outside shooting, rebounding, and ability to run the pick-and-roll. But his biggest jump in 2016 will need to be his interior defense. Cody only averaged 0.9 blocks per game last year and that is not enough for a legit 7’0 big man. He must become their defensive anchor and be able to block shots at a high rate going forward.

Next: Nic Batum Has a Chance at History With France

Zeller won’t be asked to put up big scoring numbers every night as his main role will be to defend and rebound. His blocks per game have gone up every season that he has been in the league but with another year under his belt and now being handed the starting role, he must average more than 1.5 blocks per game.

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