Cody Zeller

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Lore & Background

Zeller is from Washington, Indiana and the nephew of former NBA player Al Eberhard. He is the youngest brother of former North Carolina and NBA center Tyler Zeller and former Notre Dame and Phoenix Suns forward-center Luke Zeller. Despite pressures brought on by unusually high expectations, commentators have noted his humility and work ethic, along with 'dry wit and prankster's mirth.' In May 2017, Zeller earned his bachelor's degree when he graduated from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. He married Contemporary Christian recording artist Leanna Crawford.

In Their Own Story

On July 10, 2013, Zeller signed his rookie scale contract with the Charlotte Bobcats after being selected fourth overall. His debut season saw him play all 82 regular-season games and all four playoff matches. By April 5, 2014, he recorded his first career double-double against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 12 points and 11 rebounds, eventually earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. However, injuries plagued his later years; on December 6, 2017, he suffered a torn medial meniscus, missing 27 games that season. He also broke his right hand on December 31, 2018, ruling him out for four to six weeks. Despite these setbacks, he signed a four-year, $56 million extension in November 2014 and remained with the Hornets until August 2021.

Reader's Guide

Zeller played high school basketball at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, where he was named Indiana Mr. Basketball as a senior in 2011. He committed to play for Indiana University on November 12, 2010, turning down offers from North Carolina and Butler. In his freshman season (2011–12), he led the team with 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-Big Ten. In his sophomore season (2012–13), he was named a second-team All-American and First Team All-Big Ten, and the Hoosiers won the outright Big Ten championship. He entered the 2013 NBA draft after his sophomore season. Zeller was selected fourth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2013. He played eight seasons with the franchise (one as the Bobcats, seven as the Hornets), earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. He signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in August 2021 and spent one season there. He joined the Miami Heat in February 2023 and reached the 2023 NBA Finals. He signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2023.

Did You Know?

• Zeller was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2011, an award both of his elder brothers also won.
• He was the 26th Mr. Basketball from Indiana to play for the Hoosiers.
• Zeller was nicknamed 'The Big Handsome' during his time at Indiana University.
• He was a finalist for the Wayman Tisdale Award (USBWA National Freshman of the Year) in 2012.
• Zeller earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in May 2017.