Cody Zeller
A skilled and intelligent big man from a basketball dynasty who carved out a solid decade-long NBA career defined by hustle, screens, and team-first play.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 5·Millennials
Biography
Cody Zeller grew up in Washington, Indiana, as the youngest of three basketball-playing brothers, all destined for the NBA. Following in the footsteps of Luke and Tyler, Cody made his own mark, becoming a local legend and winning Indiana’s prestigious Mr. Basketball award in 2011. His college career at Indiana University was stellar; he led the Hoosiers to a No. 1 ranking, earning All-American honors and reviving a storied program. Selected fourth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2013, Zeller entered the league with high expectations. Over nine seasons, primarily with the Hornets, he settled into the vital, if unglamorous, role of a modern NBA center. He was not a flashy scorer but a player coaches trusted: a master of setting bone-crushing screens, rolling hard to the basket, defending multiple positions, and making quick, smart reads. Injuries occasionally disrupted his rhythm, but his high basketball IQ and relentless work ethic kept him valuable. After Charlotte, he became a valued veteran presence on short contracts with teams like Portland, Miami, and New Orleans, contributing to playoff runs and mentoring younger players, embodying the professionalism of a lasting career built on fundamentals.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Cody was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cody Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Cody's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 4th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats (later Hornets).
- Named a consensus Second-Team All-American and Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2012 while at Indiana University.
- Won the Indiana Mr. Basketball award in 2011 after a dominant high school career.
- Played in 527 regular season NBA games over a decade, establishing himself as a reliable starting and rotation center.
Did You Know?
He is one of three Zeller brothers to play in the NBA, alongside Luke (who won a title with Cleveland) and Tyler.
In high school, he led his team to a state championship and was named a McDonald's All-American.
He majored in business at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.
Known for his exceptional athletic testing, he recorded a 35.5-inch vertical leap at the NBA Draft Combine.
“My job is to set screens, rebound, and do the little things to help us win.”
