Tyler Zeller Looking to Start with Celtics

(Tyler) Zeller doesn’t remember the first time he crossed paths with (Celtics Coach Brad) Stevens and jokes that, “I actually wasn’t very good at basketball at that point in time.”

He’s gotten decidedly better, emerging as the 17th pick in the 2012 draft. Now Stevens is hoping to maximize that potential in Boston, where a roster lacking pure size ought to give Zeller every opportunity to earn heavy minutes at the center position.

“I think [starting at center is] my goal this year,” said Zeller. “I have a lot of work to do to earn that spot. I expect to have to earn it. But I think it is a great opportunity.”

The first step in that process was bulking up this offseason. Zeller, who played at around 250 pounds in Cleveland last year, said he has added about 10 to 15 pounds with a desire to increase his ability to joust among the league’s giants.

via Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston