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NBA Draft: Who is Stephen Zimmerman?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

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
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 /
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The Bad

Stephen Zimmerman though is young. Very young. And it is clear. Physically and mentally.

Zimmerman is listed at only 234 pounds and it looked like he was rail thin during Summer League. He will easily get muscled around and pushed on the block. That is going to be something he spends a lot of time working on this season.

In all likelihood, Zimmerman is going to spend a lot of the season in the Magic’s weight room in Amway Center. Do not expect him to go to Erie very much. Orlando will keep an eye on him and his physical development.

Zimmerman though too has some skill development to work on too.

He should have the passing ability to work from the high post, but he will have to develop his jumper some from that area too. It is not going to be an automatic from him to make the plays from the high post and elbow area without being able to hit jumpers better. Especially as he gets pushed out.

Zimmerman has a lot of understanding and touch to develop too. He did a good job working his way into the post throughout the week at Summer League, but he struggled to finish. He shot only 41.7 percent from the floor.

Defensively, Zimmerman would get into the right spot, but would be a hair late. He has the length to recover. The confidence just needs to develop.

The instincts are all there. But he has to let the game slow down. That is normal for a 19 year old, but it also seems like he could have used some time in college to gain confidence and strength to let things slow down.

Next: Draft Sites Say