Last Updated on June 1, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Cody Zeller built a long NBA career as a dependable big man who brought solid defense, rebounding, and smart team play to the court. While he was rarely a headline-grabbing player, his consistency and willingness to embrace his role made him a valuable contributor throughout his career.

Here’s detailed information about Cody Zeller:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Cody Allen Zeller
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born October 5, 1992
  • Hometown: Washington, Indiana, USA
  • Height: 6’11” (211 cm)
  • Weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6’10.75″
  • Shoe Size: 16 (US)
  • Number:
    • #40 (Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans)
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • High School:
    • Washington High School (Washington, Indiana)
    • Highlights:
      • Indiana Mr. Basketball (2011)
      • McDonald’s All-American (2011)
      • Led his high school to multiple state championships
  • College: Indiana University (2011–2013)
    • Highlights:
      • First-Team All-Big Ten (2013)
      • Preseason All-American entering his sophomore year
      • Averaged 16.5 points and 8.1 rebounds during his final season
  • NBA Draft: 2013, 1st Round, 4th Overall Pick by the Charlotte Bobcats
  • Teams Played For:
    • Charlotte Bobcats / Hornets (2013–2021)
    • Portland Trail Blazers (2021–2022)
    • Miami Heat (2023)
    • New Orleans Pelicans (2023–present)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: None
  • Siblings:
    • Cody is part of a well-known basketball family with two older brothers:
      • Luke Zeller: Played college basketball at Notre Dame and briefly in the NBA.
      • Tyler Zeller: Played college basketball at North Carolina and had a longer NBA career.
  • Parents:
    • Father: Steve Zeller
    • Mother: Lorri Zeller

Player Archetype / Play Style

Cody Zeller’s archetype is that of a mobile, blue-collar center who does a lot of the subtle work that helps a lineup function. Defensively, he has generally been more valuable as a positionally sound team big than as a true back-line intimidator, using his mobility, timing, and willingness to compete in pick-and-roll coverage, box out, and contest around the rim. Offensively, his role has usually leaned into screening, rim-running, short-roll finishing, and keeping actions clean for ball-handlers, with enough touch and feel to make quick reads rather than stopping the flow. Physically, Zeller brought legit center size at 6-foot-11 with good end-to-end mobility and coordination, which made him stand out as a more agile big than a purely bruising one. The overall play style summary is a smart, hard-working traditional center with modern utility — a player whose value comes from screen setting, efficient interior offense, movement, and dependable team play on both ends.

Fun Facts

  • In 2023, Zeller played a backup role with the Miami Heat during their Finals run and later signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Sources:

FOX Sports — Cody Zeller A Student Of The Details, In Basketball And Life
Bleacher Report — How Cody Zeller Mastered the NBA’s Most Popular Play
NBA.com — Cody Zeller | Forward-Center | New Orleans Pelicans
SBNation.com — NBA Draft 2013: Cody Zeller scouting report