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Charlotte Hornets: One Area Where Each Starter Must 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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Mar 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) shoots over Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) during second half at Barclays Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) shoots over Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) during second half at Barclays Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

C: Cody Zeller – Interior Defense

Shooting Percentages: 58.6% FG/ 66.7% FT

Season Stats: 33 GP, 31 GS, 10.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 BPG, 26.6 MPG

Since securing the starting center role this season, Cody has been one of the Hornets’ most consistent players. His numbers might not jump out at you but he has been great for Charlotte. He fits perfectly into what the team is trying to do offensively.

Zeller’s only downfall has been his interior defense this season. While that isn’t what he’s known for and there were sure to be a few defensive issues with him, his 1.1 blocks per isn’t good enough for a starting center in the NBA. He ranks 23rd in the league in that category behind backups in Alex Len (1.49), Kyle O’Quinn (1.29), and even Roy Hibbert (1.12). (ESPN.com)

Must Read: Time to Call-Up Archie Goodwin?

Opponents are shooting 45.6% in the paint against Cody which is the 12th worst in the NBA. Although he hasn’t been terrible at interior defense, there is clearly room for improvement. To take his game to the next level, Zeller will need to become a great defender as he is already one of the best scoring big men in pick and roll situations. (NBA.com)

The final element in Zeller’s game will be on the defensive end. A jump in that area will make the Charlotte Hornets a much better team defensively and as a whole. It may also take a few years until that happens.

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