Tiago Splitter vs. Tyler Zeller

[Tr1boy]

Zeller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmczJJ_HJCY

Splitter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rryLxYYaBpE


Is Zeller's + 20 pounds of weight = Splitter??  (both know where to be on the court, fundamental,  high motor, mobile, 7 footers)

IF we had Splitter on our team to play at the center position, how much would that help our lineup?

[kg is king]

For one, Splitter is much more polished and physical than Zeller. Give Tyler a couple of more years and he can become a similar type player.

[Tr1boy]

For one, Splitter is much more polished and physical than Zeller. Give Tyler a couple of more years and he can become a similar type player.

With what you said, how much would Tiago Splitter help this lineup out?  Could he battle and hold his own vs say a Drummond

[indeedproceed]

Read the thread title and in my head I heard, 'EPIC RAP BATTLES IN HISTORYYYY'

[Ogaju]

world champion vs. promising youngster
Popovich           vs. CBS

[D.o.s.]

More like the Oxygen Network Vs. CBS.

That said, Splitter's older than Rondo, and isn't likely to get much better. Could Zeller get to Tiago's level in five years? Very Possibly.

[kraidstar]

c's need a rim protector, splitter is not that guy... and he's already 29. and will probably be on the decline by the time the c's contend again. i'd rather develop our young players and take shots at guys with higher upside through the draft.

[Tr1boy]

c's need a rim protector, splitter is not that guy... and he's already 29. and will probably be on the decline by the time the c's contend again. i'd rather develop our young players and take shots at guys with higher upside through the draft.

The question relates to what if zeller puts on 15-20 pounds , can he start at center and be productive like splitter has been

Splitter right now would help us out no doubt. He is not very athletic or fast but has enough weight/strength not to get pushed around and his positional defense and feel of game is great

If zeller exits the celts org in a few seasons i acn see a team like the spurs picking him right up and turning him into another splitter. Hopefully we can do that 1st

[Fafnir]

More like the Oxygen Network Vs. CBS.

That said, Splitter's older than Rondo, and isn't likely to get much better. Could Zeller get to Tiago's level in five years? Very Possibly.

Tiago has always been regarded as a higher level talent though.

I don't think he has the same physical tools, if Zeller ever moves beyond a bad starter/good backup I'll be happy.

[bostonsportsforlife]

I don't know much about Zeller. Is he a solid defender, or yet another Celtics big man that is offense only?

[hwangjini_1]

I don't know much about Zeller. Is he a solid defender, or yet another Celtics big man that is offense only?

a very good question. below is at least one answer. i got it from this online article ...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1953338-breaking-down-tyler-zellers-improvement-for-cleveland-cavaliers


Defensive Activity

No one would go as far to call Zeller a great defender, but he's improving.

The weight gain was a big help, especially with guys like Hibbert, Tyson Chandler, Andre Drummond and Al Jefferson in the East to compete against.

Strength was an issue for Zeller last season, as was quickness. The Cavs run a lot of defensive sets requiring the center to slide out and cut off the opposing point guard on pick-and-roll sideline plays. It's then the center's responsibility to get back to his original man, or open post player, as quickly as possible.

Zeller can still be slow on these, and often gets into foul trouble because of it. His blocked shot/shooting foul rating was just .45 last season (via 82games.com). For comparison, Hibbert's is 1.40 this year.

Zeller has been quicker on his recovery this season, and is doing a better job of blocking shots without fouling. His blocked shot/shooting foul rating is up to .84 in 2013-14. Still a long way from a player like Hibbert, but nevertheless a nice improvement from his rookie year.

Here are some other key defensive stats and ratings showing Zeller's improvement from last season. All stats are on a per-36 minute basis.

    DRtg   REBS   STLS   BLKS   DRB%
2012-13   110   7.8   0.6   1.2   16.7
2013-14   107   9.7   0.8   1.3   19.5
Zeller's added muscle has made a big difference on the boards.

He's now pulling in nearly 20 percent of all available defensive rebounds, and is up to 9.7 total boards per 36 minutes.

Steals and blocks are slightly improved, and his defensive rating is down three points from a season ago.

[bostonsportsforlife]

Thanks for the info. TP.

[aingeforthree]

When actually given time on the floor late last year, Zeller was pretty [dang] good.  I want to see more.  I think its a helluva pickup by Danny.

[SHAQATTACK]

Zeller would be an all star on the Spurs and Splitter would wind up a scrub with our luck

[hwangjini_1]

When actually given time on the floor late last year, Zeller was pretty [dang] good.  I want to see more.  I think its a helluva pickup by Danny.

i agree that danny did a great job of giving up nothing to get a decent player. i am not sure how he will turn out eventually, but with stevens as coach i think he can become an decent starting center, or, a good backup on a championship level team.