Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Basketball: Tar Heels playing in the NBA Bubble

By Nick Delahanty

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the court in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the court in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 08: Tyler Zeller #45 of the Denver Nuggets reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first quarter during a preseason game at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on October 08, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 08: Tyler Zeller #45 of the Denver Nuggets reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first quarter during a preseason game at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on October 08, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Tyler Zeller

Team: San Antonio Spurs

Current Record: 27-36

Playoff Position: 12th in Western Conference

Without-a-doubt, Tyler Zeller has the most interesting story of any former Tar Heel competing in the NBA bubble.

Zeller, 30, has not played in an NBA game so far this season. The last we’ve seen of Zeller was during the 2018-2019 season when he appeared in six combined games for the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies.

At the time the NBA season ended, it didn’t look like Zeller would get an opportunity during the 2019-2020 campaign. However, an opportunity did open up for the former Tar Heel big man.

At the end of June, it was announced that Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge would miss the remainder of the season after having shoulder surgery. That opened up a need for a big man in San Antonio.

To fill the void, the Spurs decided to sign Zeller, even though he lacked recent NBA game experience. Zeller’s height is what the Spurs need, and he could see some playing time to help in regards to rebounding and on the defensive side of the ball.

The Spurs may be a long-shot to make the playoffs, but Zeller is a compelling story to keep an eye on as the NBA season restarts.

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