NBA Draft: Who is Stephen Zimmerman?

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Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV Rebels, Fresno State Bulldogs

Dec 30, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Rebels forward Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) gets a hand up to block a shot by Fresno State Bulldogs forward Torren Jones (24) during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Fresno State won 69-66. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orlando Magic’s lone rookie from the NBA Draft is a limber 19-year-old in Stephen Zimmerman of UNLV. He showed good signs at Summer League to his future

The Orlando Magic made waves on draft night by trading their first round pick, the 11th overall pick in the draft, along with Victor Oladipo and Ersan Ilyasova for Serge Ibaka. It brought the Magic an elite rim protector and promises to transform the Magic’s defense.

At least it will transform the team in a way a rookie would not. There was certainly a sense the Magic were not going to get much of a change from a rookie and the draft took on less of a focus this year than it had in the past years under Rob Hennigan.

The Magic though did bring in one rookie. With the 41st overall pick in the draft, Orlando added another long-limbed, athletic player with plenty of room to grow in UNLV’s Stephen Zimmerman.

Zimmerman was an intriguing prospect his freshman year, averaging 10.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. There were plenty of flashes of talent to have him as a solid first rounder for much of the year before his play fell off and some injury questions arose.

Magic general manager Rob Hennigan said the team felt Zimmerman was the best player available at 41 when the Magic picked.

“We’re really intrigued by Stephen and his game and his personality,” Hennigan said. “He’s a real mobile center. He can run, rebound, shoot and pass. That’s a good start. He’s probably going to get a little stronger. He’s skilled. He plays hard and he compete. We’ll see what happens. We’re excited to have him in summer league and start working with him.”

There is plenty to be intrigued about. During Summer League, Zimmerman showed a refined set of post moves and some solid defensive instincts, even if he was a bit rushed and unable to finish. He certainly has some skill. Zimmerman averaged 9.0 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. It was clear there was something there.

Exactly what is not particularly clear. Nor was it clear against weaker competition in college. Zimmerman is still something of a bundle of potential with a clearer form as a backup center with some defensive ability and offense to burn. It was easy to see why the Magic had something they liked in him.

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