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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Impact of the NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men /
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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 /

21. Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV Rebels

Position: Center

Age: 19 (9/9/1996)

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

Slash Line: .477/.294/.624

Season Averages: 26.2 MPG, 10.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 2.0 BPG

Key Strengths

  • Height and length. True 7’0″ big with a 7’3″ wingspan and a 9’1″ standing reach.
  • Intriguing instincts as a shot-blocker. Contests everything within reach.
  • Rebounding. Can bust small-ball rotations with his ability to crash the glass.
  • Shooting form. Shot isn’t yet consistent, but his form is solid. Expanding 3-point range.
  • Can play from the post. Southpaw finisher. Jump hook and a turnaround J.

Key Weaknesses

  • Athleticism. Slow to get to spots defensively.
  • Late rotations lead to constant foul trouble.
  • Rarely ever uses his right hand as a scorer.
  • Post defense. Is often overpowered. Doesn’t have the proper stance against the post.
  • Rebounds well, but doesn’t box out for his teammates.

Analysis

UNLV Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman is going to be an upside pick. The 19-year-old stands at 7’0″ with a 7’3″ wingspan, a 9’1″ standing reach, a respectable jump shot, and the ability to meet the traditional big man standards.

Zimmerman can block shots, play from the post, and crash the offensive boards, which rounds out what is an unpolished, but intriguing skill set.

Zimmerman’s biggest hurdle is an absence of athleticism, which has resulted in his being in foul trouble more times than he hasn’t been. He averaged an unforgivable 4.6 personal fouls per 40 minutes, and that’s unlikely to subside as he plays against a more athletic brand of competition in the NBA.

Zimmerman isn’t the biggest name or the most prolific prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft, but he has the skill set and physical profile to be a starting center in both small ball and traditional sets.

Next: NCAA Tournament Star

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