Boston Celtics

This Celtics big is cool with his declining minutes

Published Nov. 11, 2015 10:22 a.m. ET

foxsports

Tyler Zeller started the season in Boston's starting lineup, but in last night's win over Milwaukee, he was the only active player who didn't see the court.

And he's perfectly fine with the situation. Here's what he told The Boston Herald before last night's game:

Playing in a contract year, Zeller is averaging 8.4 minutes, 4.6 points and 1.0 rebound per game. That limited opportunity would make most players act up, but Zeller is accepting his demotion like a true professional, and there's a good chance that fact won't go under the radar with Celtics management.

“You have your ups and downs, you know?” he said before tip-off. “I had a rough first week, so I kind of put myself where I am. “You’ve just got to keep working every day in practice and every time you get a chance in games. I know we’re still shuffling some things around, but I’ve just got to keep working and take advantage of the opportunities I get.”