Orlando Magic rookie Stephen Zimmerman continues to turn heads in the D-League. He set an Erie BayHawks rebounding record Wednesday.
Orlando Magic rookie Stephen Zimmerman has yet to make a major impact with the Orlando Magic’s main roster. The second round pick was not expected to do very much within the Magic’s loaded front-court rotation this year. The Magic anticipated sending him to Erie to play in the D-League for the Erie BayHawks.
His first trip to Northwestern Pennsylvania is likely coming to a close soon once the Magic’s travel schedule settles down after this four-games-in-five -nights stretch. But before then, Zimmerman has poured in some strong appearances and statistics.
That would include a record-breaking performance in Wednesday’s matinee against the Long Island Nets in Brooklyn.
Zimmerman set an Erie BayHawks franchise record with 24 rebounds to go with 24 points in an 114-105 overtime win.
Highlights from @BIGG_ZIMM record breaking performance: pic.twitter.com/9n6estLxwX
— Erie BayHawks (@ErieBayHawks) December 7, 2016
Zimmerman has been posting gaudy stat lines throughout his stint with the BayHawks. The Magic assigned Zimmerman to its D-League team while they were out on the road. He has played three games and is likely to play two more as the Magic finish this 4-games-in-5-nights stretch.
In three games, Zimmerman has averaged 21.5 points per game and 14.0 rebounds per game in his short stint with the BayHawks so far.
He scored 20 points to go with 16 rebounds in his debut last week. Zimmerman followed that up with 23 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to the Westchester Knicks during the weekend. He will likely play the next two games in Erie before returning to the Magic following Saturday’s games for the two teams.
At that point, the Magic’s practice schedule should become a bit more normal and the Magic can get Zimmerman back to work with the main roster.
Orlando has had basketball control over the Erie BayHawks for several years now. But the team has rarely used it, preferring instead to have players practice with the main team as a way to gain experience. That may change when the Magic’s affiliate moves to nearby Kissimmee or Lakeland. D-League usage may then increase.
For now, the Magic use the D-League for young players when they go on long road trips and lose out on practice time for the young players to get some experience.
The Magic’s road trip and the general lack of practice time the Magic made this a good opportunity for Zimmerman to get some extended playing.
It would appear he has made the most of it to this point with his play. He showed a good in-between game, as he was able to pop out for short mid-range jumpers and post up defenders. He dominated the glass too on both ends.
With his stint in the BayHawks nearing a completion, it would appear the Magic rookie has made the most of his time in Erie. His D-League statistics certainly will not translate fully to the NBA. Do not expect the Magic to go out and play him immediately.
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But it is a good sign to see Zimmerman not just holding his own but dominating at the D-League level. As he continues to add strength with the Magic’s main roster, he could squeeze in some opportunity. Or it could set him up nicely for next season.