Hornets announce Cody Zeller fractured hand in season opener

The Hornets have announced that starting center Cody Zeller has fractured his left hand during Charlotte’s 2020-21 season opener, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

Bonnell notes that the severity of the fracture, and thus the amount of time Zeller could miss, is unclear. The 28-year-old out of Indiana averaged 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds on 52.4 percent field-goal shooting during the 2019-20 season. He injured his hand in the second half of an eventual 121-114 loss to the Cavaliers.

An extended loss of games for Zeller could lead to more run for rookie bigs Vernon Carey Jr., the No. 32 pick out of Duke, and Nick Richards, the No. 42 pick out of Kentucky. Bonnell expects Bismack Biyombo to replace Zeller as the Hornets’ starting center.

Bobby Marks of ESPN notes that Charlotte numbers among a small quantity of clubs with an open roster spot still available.

There are several veteran big men still on the free-agent market, including Dewayne Dedmon, Taj Gibson, and Kyle O’Quinn.