A New Orleans roster overflowing with young players early in their careers now also boasts a trio of veterans who’ve been in the league for over a decade, including 11th-year center Cody Zeller, who came to the Crescent City via free agency this summer (the other longtime pros are Jonas Valanciunas and CJ McCollum). Zeller actually arrived in the NBA on the same night as McCollum, greeting then-Commissioner David Stern on stage during the 2013 draft, selected No. 4 overall by Charlotte, six picks before McCollum. The 31-year-old joined Pelicans.com to discuss some of his career highlights and thoughts on the league:
Most memorable moment in the NBA: “The playoff run we had last season with the Miami Heat, going all the way to the Finals. I had only been to the playoffs twice up to that point, but we were out in the first round both times (with Charlotte in 2014 and 2016). Just to be a part of a team and get a feel for what that kind of winning is like at the highest level... we came up a few games short (of winning the championship vs. Denver), but to reach the NBA Finals was the highlight of my career.”
Most memorable dunk in the NBA: “I had one on Giannis Antetokounmpo that I think surprised him a little bit. To have one on the league MVP is pretty special.”
Most embarrassing moment in the NBA: “Probably being on the wrong side a few times getting dunked on. I’ve had my fair share of those, but it happens. You win some, you lose some.” [smiles]
Most surprising thing about the NBA as a rookie: “Probably how long the season is and how much of a grind it is. In college you play maybe 30 games and (some of those are) non-conference games where you’re going to just walk on the court and win by 30 points. In this league, whether it’s a back-to-back or Game 50, it could be a cold city, it could be after a long flight, you’ve got to come out and perform well, play well, play with energy for 82 games. That was a big adjustment for me.”
Welcome to the NBA moment: “Playing against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. It was our last preseason game of my rookie year. They had Kenyon Martin, Metta World Peace and Amar’e Stoudemire, all at the end of their careers, but really tough, physical guys. Grown men. I felt like I was kind of just a little kid at that point (compared to them). I was guarding Stoudemire and he had a nice dunk. They were clearing out the whole side of floor for him to go to work (offensively against Zeller). That was my first time at MSG, and it was an eye-opening experience for me.”
Most underrated player in the NBA: “CJ McCollum. For how good of a scorer and player he’s been, I don’t think he’s been an All-Star. He’s definitely been deserving of that a time or two at least, but he’s flown under the radar. He’s been a great teammate for me in Portland and here.”
Best uniforms in the NBA (besides the Pelicans’): “I like all of the throwback jerseys across the NBA.”