Nothin' But Nets
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Ranking the Brooklyn Nets 2017 Roster Additions

By Alexander Cuesta

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 17: Jahlil Okafor
BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 17: Jahlil Okafor /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 26: Tyler Zeller #44 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on December 26, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 26: Tyler Zeller #44 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on December 26, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Tyler Zeller C – 26 GP, 18.9 MPG, 8.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 58.2% FG

Now we can get to the players who have made an impact this season. This one is really surprising. Tyler Zeller was signed this offseason as a roster filler, but has turned into a solid player. He’s come in and started at center for the Nets as of late, making a positive impact.

Seemingly on the decline of his career, Zeller was not highly sought after this offseason. The news that Marks signed him left some fans scratching their heads at the move. Zeller was an afterthought in Boston over the past two seasons and he was just happy to be picked up by a team.

But Zeller has made the best of this opportunity, usurping the starting role from Mozgov and showing off some skills that fans didn’t know he had. He has made athletic dunks and showed some offensive moves that he hasn’t in the past.

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This may be because of the coaching of Atkinson, or just Zeller pulling out all the stops to remain on the floor as often as possible. Whatever it is, it is working, and he is playing as good as he ever has in his career.

Zeller’s field goal percentage is sky high and he fights for rebounds about as good as anyone. He has deficiencies on defense, but it is not glaring enough to put him back on the bench. He shows that grit and toughness that has become associated with the Nets’ franchise in every play he makes.

Overall, Zeller has been a pleasant surprise for the Nets. Did Marks know he had this potential when he signed him? Probably so. But even he could not have expected him to fit in with the team as well as he has. Zeller is fighting to remain a starter, but if his recent play is any indication, that shouldn’t be difficult.