Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: 4 players who likely won’t be back next season

By Jason Huber

Charlotte Hornets Cody Zeller. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Cody Zeller. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 02: Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Dewayne Dedmon #21 of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on May 02, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 02: Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Dewayne Dedmon #21 of the Miami Heat in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on May 02, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

It’s been a fun ride but the Cody Zeller era in Charlotte will likely be coming to an end. 

Cody Zeller has given tons of blood and sweat to the city of Charlotte in his eight seasons in the NBA. Literally. It seems like every possession he gets banged up and bleeds.

There is no denying that Zeller didn’t give his 100% effort every time he stepped on the court. In fact, he was one of the only players that showed in the Hornets play-in tournament game.

But upgrading at center this offseason is priority number one for general manager Mitch Kupchak.

In eight seasons with the Bobcats/Hornets, Zeller averaged 8.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Those are decent numbers for a backup center, but definitely not a starter.

Zeller was in and out of the lineup all season and he’s struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, never playing a full 82-game season.

Kupchak and Borrego have made it clear that the center position has to be upgraded this offseason, and with Carey and Richards still on rookie deals and untapped potential, Zeller will likely decide to take his talents elsewhere for the first time in his career as an unrestricted free agent.

He never quite panned out as the fourth overall pick but he will certainly be remembered as a player that gave his all to the Charlotte fan base.