Cody Zeller prepares for his first “free agency” | NBA

Staying eight years in the same franchise in the current NBA is quite an achievement. Cody Zeller is aware of this, he who knows by heart the names of the other three players in his Draft, in 2013, still loyal to the same team: Giannis Antetokounmpo, CJ McCollum and Rudy Gobert.

While the hour of choice will soon present itself, a great first for him, the pivot of the Hornets could only express his gratitude to the franchise which saw him grow up and to which he does not of course close the door.

“This is my very first free-agency, as I’ve been there for eight years and only played for one team. I don’t even know what to do, or how it’s going from a logistical point of view ”, he said in his end-of-season interview. » I love the city of Charlotte (…). When I arrived here, I was 20 years old, I was a kid, I didn’t know anyone. And the city of Charlotte adopted me. I have played with a lot of good teammates, good players who have resulted in strong friendships over the past eight years. I don’t know where the future will take me, whether here or elsewhere, but yes, it’s been eight great years in Charlotte. It has become my home. We will see what will happen (…) If they make a good offer, I will consider it ”.

Winning remains his priority

Shadow soldier Cody Zeller has alternated good streaks but also injuries for most of his eight years at Charlotte, sometimes due to his permanent commitment. At the dawn of a new challenge, Tyler’s brother has defined his priorities and hopes to be able to take up a challenge in which he will have a real role to play, why not in a better armed team.

“I think I want to be in a place where I will be valued. I’m not a circle protector, I’m not going to put in 4 or 5 3-point baskets per game, I’ve had my share of injuries. But once you’ve said everything I’m not, in my role, I think I can add a lot to a winning team. I think the team plays well when I’m on the pitch. So I would like to be in a place where this is what we highlight, what I can bring ”, he added. “I made enough money, it won’t be a significant factor (…). I just want to win ”.