Cody Zeller's Team Option Exercised by Hornets: Latest Comments, Reaction

The Charlotte Hornets picked up the fourth-year club option from power forward Cody Zeller's rookie contract on Monday, ensuring the 23-year-old's future with the team through at least next season.

A news release from the Hornets' official website featured comments from general manager Rich Cho.

"We are excited to keep Cody Zeller as a part of our core for another season," said Cho. "We have been very pleased with Cody's development on both ends of the floor and look forward to him continuing to expand his game as a member of our roster."

Zeller has averaged only 23 minutes per contest amid his third season and has yet to establish himself as a starter, but the Hornets evidently feel his upside is worth remaining invested in.

This is hardly a surprising move by Charlotte in opting to pick up Zeller's option. Had the Hornets allowed Zeller to get away, they'd be conceding defeat and project the belief that the 2013 No. 4 overall draft pick didn't pan out whatsoever.    

Marvin Williams currently starts over Zeller at the 4, and the Hornets chose former Wisconsin college star Frank Kaminsky in the lottery in this year's draft. Kaminsky is a 7-footer like Zeller but is a perimeter-oriented player who functions best as a stretch 4.

With Al Jefferson entrenched as the starting center, it's hard to envision where Zeller is meant to carve out a significant role because of the roster's current makeup. Zeller is also dealing with an illness that caused him to miss Monday's practice and has seen him suddenly lose 10 pounds, per the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell.

The hope is Zeller can return soon from his ailment and reward the Hornets' faith by elevating his level of play. Otherwise Kaminsky could well supplant Zeller for significant minutes before long.

Per Spotrac, Zeller will be a restricted free agent when his contract does expire. He's averaging 6.7 points on 44.3 percent shooting, five rebounds and 1.3 assists for his career to date.