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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UNLV Rebels forward Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) shoots the ball as Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UNLV Rebels forward Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) shoots the ball as Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Stephen Zimmerman Jr., UNLV Rebels

Position: Center

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 235 pounds, 7’3″

Slash Line: .482/.800/.644

Season Averages: 23.3 MPG, 9.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.9 ORPG, 1.8 BPG

New Year’s Resolution: Go Up Strong

Stephen Zimmerman Jr. offers both intrigue and immediate value. Assuming he comes off the board in this range, the freshman standout would have a chance to make a smooth adjustment to the NBA as a backup who progressively earns a starting role.

As a positionally versatile 7’0″ southpaw with 3-point range and significant defensive potential, Zimmerman is as intriguing as they come.

Zimmerman’s most obvious appeal is his size and length at 7’0″ and 235 pounds with a 7’3″ wingspan and a 9’1″ standing reach. He complements his physical gifts by running the floor well in transition, finishing above the rim, covering ground defensively, and possessing an NBA-caliber vertical leap.

Offensively, his midrange game is strong with the potential for 3-point marksmanship, and his ability to put the ball on the floor is rare for a player at his size. Defensively, he’s an excellent shot blocker who loves to compete.

For as complete a player as Zimmerman may be, his New Year’s Resolution is to address a type of flaw that can cripple a career: he simply doesn’t go up strong enough when he gets the ball down low.

Next: Rising European Star