While most of the attention on the Lakers this draft season stem from them holding the #2 overall pick, the team also holds the #32 selection in the upcoming draft. With that, we will be having a series of posts on potential options for that selection. First up is UNLV big man, Stephen Zimmerman.
Stephen Zimmerman
Center, 7’0, 235 lbs. Freshman, UNLV, 19 years old
2012-13 stats:
26.3 minutes, 10.5 points, 47.7 field goal percentage, 29.4 three point percentage, 62.4 free throw percentage, 0.8 assists, 8.7 rebounds, 0.5 steals, 2.0 blocks.
Big Board Rankings:
Draft Express – 36, CBS – 31, Sports Illustrated – 30, NBA.com – 24, Bleacher Report – 27
Strengths:
At 7’0 with a wingspan of 7’3, Stephen Zimmerman has pretty good size to work at either power forward or center in the NBA. The first thing that stands out about Zimmerman is his two blocks per game in only 26 minutes per game, which was good for second most in the Mountain West Conference. Zimmerman isn’t the most athletic guy on the court, but he’s athletic enough to where it’s not a disadvantage.
On the other side of the ball, the freshman showed some of his range, even though he only shot 29 percent from beyond the arc (on only 17 shots). In the pick-n-pop, Zimmerman scored 1.15 PPP. He has a solid stroke and can knock shots down from midrange. He has really soft touch and has a handy left hook when he’s in the post.
In just 26 minutes a game, Zimmerman averaged 8.7 rebounds per game and grabbed over a fourth of all defensive rebounds when he was on the court (26.5 percent). Thanks to his size and 9’1 standing reach, the 19-year-old should be a solid rebounder in the league.
Weaknesses:
The biggest and most glaring weakness for Stephen Zimmerman is his strength. For someone as big as he is, he can definitely afford to add some more weight and muscle to his frame. Without the necessary strength, Zimmerman will get abused on the block in the NBA, on both sides of the ball. He will get backed down by the bigger centers in the league, and he’s going to struggle to score in the post, especially because he doesn’t have a great post game yet. He committed 4.6 fouls per game per 40 minutes, and this is probably one of the reasons why.
While Zimmerman has shown touch and an ability to hit midrange — and even a extend to the three point line — he’s a terrible free throw shooter. In his one season at UNLV, Zimmerman was just 62.4 percent from the charity stripe. His ability to score is questionable. The most he scored in a game in his short college career was 21, and he only reached 15 four times. When Zimmerman was a kid, he broke his right arm wrestling with is dad. Because of that, he can’t fully extend his right arm which causes major problems when goes to his off hand (he’s a lefty).
Where he fits in with the Lakers:
The Lakers need a guy who they can groom to play some minutes at the five. Roy Hibbert, Ryan Kelly, Robert Sacre, Brandon Bass, and Tarik Black are all free agents this summer. In other words, there is not a player currently on the roster projected to be a long term option in the pivot. And while free agency may solve that problem, players who can provide capable depth will still be needed.
Stephen Zimmerman is young, is a big body, and could potentially hit outside shots. He also has some potential on the defensive end. The goal in mind with Zimmerman is to have a big who can space the floor when Randle is also on the court, but also play interior defense. Zimmerman has shown the ability to rebound and block shots and play in the pick-n-roll on offense. He most likely wouldn’t get minutes right away due to not having a very polished post game and issues tied to his lack of strength and bulk.
I like Zimmerman’s potential, but there might be some better options for a big man at 32.
A Horse with no name says
Zimmerman has much too far to go to be of any use for years. He doesn’t have the strength to play inside at the NBA level. The lakers don’t have the luxury of squandering the pick when there are far more physically ready centers in this draft likely to be available with this pick. Here’s two: Chinanu Onuaku from Louisville, and AJ Hammons from Purdue. Both are rebounders and rim protectors. Onuaku has more upside than Hammons, as he is very young; while Hammons has a well developed game but more questions about his motor.
Chris J says
Pass. I’d be surprised if he gets drafted, despite the hype coming from Vegas. He wont have NBA strength for years.
JD says
I actually really like bis versatility on offense and his shot blocking ability. He’s definitely a long term prospect but we’re not looking to contend next year… So why not pick a guy who can develop. He’s really good in the open floor and he can stretch the floor. Strength can be worked on but he’s really skilled. There are better options… But i wouldn’t be disappointed with him. He’s got swag
John Citizen says
AJ Hammons or Thon Maker. I have a strong feeling that Thon Maker can develop into a KG type of a player.
Last year i wanted the Lakers to draft Montrezl Harrell with one of their picks. Although Nance turned out good, AB not so much, i still think Harrell would ve been great in Lakers Uniform.
Vasheed says
There are a lot of good options at Center in the draft that have a good chance of being available at pick #32. Some of my favorites are Qi, Maker, Hammons, and Zizic. Really though I could double this list with guys I think could possibly be worth taking a look at.
I prefer guys who display skill already and worry about filling them out physically later. This is a pick for a back up player that hopefully can develop into something more. Black is a restricted free agent whom I would think the Lakers are likely to retain. He offers the Lakers a guy who can back up Center with strength and speed to play small ball or switch over to play as a traditional PF.
I would also like the Lakers to buy a pick to pick up Uthoff. The Lakers have a log jam at PF but as a sharp shooting PF with good foot speed and defensive instincts, I think he would be a steal to pick up later in the 2nd round.
matt says
I liked darius’ take on drafting an international player at #32 on the podcast, Zimmerman does move well for a big guy, high motor, gritty, good post moves, not sure if he’s a future starter though
matt says
Short post life, Zimmerman does have a high motor, but he does everything with one hand because of his tweaked arm.
Mock drafts agree with the top 8 players and then it’s all over the place, some players like Baldwin and labissier might even withdtaw still, bumping everyone else up