The Charlotte Hornets have announced via their website that they have entered 4th-year big man Cody Zeller into the NBA’s concussion protocol. There is no timetable for his return.
Zeller suffered the injury during the fourth quarter on Dec. 30 in a 121-109 loss at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The play happened when Kevin Love went up to rebound his own miss. Love trailed his own shot from the right corner, with Zeller engaged with Cavaliers F Tristan Thompson underneath the basket.
His arms locked up and unable to contest or shield his face, Zeller was whacked in the face by Love’s inadvertent elbow has he tried to go back up with the ball on the offensive glass.
Zeller has been a big part of Charlotte’s front line rotation, averaging 10.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 59.5% shooting. His advanced numbers are impressive from an offensive efficiency and rebounding standpoint, and his absence will force the Hornets to add minutes for Frank Kaminsky, Roy Hibbert, and Spencer Hawes.
In order to return to the court, Zeller needs to pass the protocol by being symptom free, then passing a series of tests without showing any nagging symptoms.
Zeller is not the only player out due to concussion protocol: Utah Jazz G George Hill will miss Monday’s game with the Brooklyn Nets.