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2016 NBA Draft: Best second round steals

By Trevor Magnotti

Nov 18, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Runnin
Nov 18, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Runnin /
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Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; UNLV Runnin Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) is guarded by UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. UCLA defeats UNLV 77-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; UNLV Runnin Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) is guarded by UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. UCLA defeats UNLV 77-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV

Zimmerman, once projected as a potential lottery pick, has slipped throughout the draft process. The 7’0″ Las Vegas native is projected in the 25-40 range on many big boards, and while he has some significant questions as a prospect, if he slips into the second round he almost becomes a more attractive development project.

Zimmerman really struggled throughout his freshman season at UNLV, as he was often miscast as a screen-setter and post scorer offensively, and he struggled to consistently contribute on the defensive end. His production (10.3 points on 46.3 shooting, 8.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks per game) left some to be desired but in the right system with some development, Zimmerman still showed the skill set of a useful NBA big man. Zimmerman has nice touch on his midrange jumper, hitting 38 percent from there this season, and his shooting mechanics are good enough that he might be able to eventually stretch out from beyond the three-point line, although he hit just 4-16 from there this year. Zimmerman is also a potentially solid playmaker from the post, where he combines a nice set of finesse moves with excellent passing out of the high post.

Defensively, Zimmerman is a project. While he has solid size (7’0″, 7’3″ wingspan), he’s not the most inspiring athlete, and his lack of fundamentals was not helped by the lack of overall structure present at UNLV. Zimmerman did post good shot-blocking numbers, but he doesn’t really have the hops (30″ no-step vertical) or the quickness to truly be a rim protector. He’s better served as an occasional weakside-shot blocker and defensive rebounder, provided he improves in discipline and understanding of defensive concepts.

Zimmerman has some tools to be a nice player for someone but he’ll take some development to get there. That’s why he could be a potential steal in the second round, as a team with a strong D-League presence could grab him and develop him there, without the risk of a guaranteed contract. Teams like Boston (No. 31 and No. 35), Phoenix (No. 34), or Houston (No. 37 and No. 43) could be nice landing spots for Zimmerman, allowing him the time to develop his wide range of skills into something that can make an impact on the court.

To read more about Stephen Zimmerman, click here.

Next: 4. Ben Bentil

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