Hornets' Cody Zeller signs extension worth a reported $56 million over 4 years

The Hornets believe Cody Zeller can still reach his full potential

Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets believed in Cody Zeller's potential when they selected him No. 4 overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. And now, three years later, the Hornets still have that same belief in the versatile big man. The team announced on Monday that Zeller has signed a contract extension, which is worth $56 million over four years, according The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, Charlotte has agreed to sign Zeller to four-year, $56 million extension.

"Maintaining and building our young core of players has been a key goal for us the last few years," Hornets GM Rich Cho said in a statement. "We're excited that Cody will be part of the Hornets organization for years to come. Cody is a hard worker, a team-first player and a versatile talent that was a large part of our success last year. He has improved in each of his three seasons in the NBA. We look forward to a bright future with Cody as a part of the roster that we are continuing to build."

On the surface, this seems like a curious move. Zeller has not blossomed into a high-impact player in his first three seasons, averaging 8.7 points and 6.2 assists in 24.3 minutes last season. Solid numbers for sure, but not what you would expect from a No. 4 overall pick. Yet Zeller provides intangibles that have been vital to Charlotte's success over the last few seasons.

Zeller is an athletic and capable defender. He is also a smart pick-and-roll player. Plus Zeller can play center, which gives the Hornets the option of playing a smaller lineup, where Marvin Williams plays the four. This allows Charlotte more freedom offensively and creates the type of space on the court that Kemba Walker can thrive in.

Also, paying Zeller, $14 million a year isn't extravagant for the Hornets, especially considering that the Timberwolves agreed to sign the older Gorgui Dieng to a 4-year, $64 million extension. Zeller is a comparable player to Dieng but just turned 24. He is also one of the few big men on the Hornets and with Roy Hibbert currently injured, Zeller is Charlotte's main center.

This was a low-risk move for the Hornets, since by extending Zeller now they don't have to worry about another team swooping in and offering him a larger contract during free agency in the summer. And if Zeller ends up having a career season, then Charlotte's move to extend their young big man will be seen as a smart one.