After not making additions during the NBA trade deadline, the Miami Heat added two new members to their team via free agency. Moments after signing Kevin Love, the Heat decided to bring in long-time Hornets big man Cody Zeller.
OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have signed 9-year NBA veteran Cody Zeller.@CodyZeller, the former 4th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, will wear #44.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 21, 2023
Zeller comes into Miami after spending last season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Zeller will now suit up for the first time this season as a member of the Miami Heat. The nine-year veteran is known for his excellent rebounding ability and solid defensive presence down low in the paint.
Adding Zeller makes Miami a much taller team, as the Heat have lacked in the size department for some time now. Height and size will be critical for Miami in their pursuit of another championship as many of the top contenders in the league are very tall such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Phoenix Suns.
Zeller will likely be expected to provide at least ten solid minutes per game as a backup for Bam Adebayo. It will be interesting to see how Miami’s Erik Spoelstra plans to manage the minutes of the Heat’s frontcourt as second-year center Omer Yurtseven is scheduled to play for the first time this season in the coming days following the all-star break. Therefore Miami now has a center rotation of Adebayo, Yurtseven, Orlando Robinson, and Zeller.
Something of note, Zeller has playing experience with Victor Oladipo as the two spent their collegiate career alongside one another as Indiana Hoosiers. Zeller will also be reunited with his former Hornets teammate Caleb Martin.
The Miami Hoosiers pic.twitter.com/lZvoHYZLwz
— overtime maddy (@overtimemaddy) February 19, 2023
All in all, the addition of Zeller provides height and rebounding for the Heat and solidifies their depth, which is a critical component for any team looking to make a championship run.
Let us know what you think about the Heat acquiring Cody Zeller by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
