Pacers Draft Rumors: Team Eyeing Stephen Zimmerman

The Indiana Pacers held their fourth pre-draft workout Wednesday, and UNLV center Stephen Zimmerman was one of the participants.

Zimmerman is a 7-foot center with a 7-3 wingspan. With his size, analysts and scouts marvel over the how much potential this 19-year-old prospect has. For this reason, it appears he is guaranteed to be a first round pick.

Zimmerman has been projected as a late-first round in recent mock drafts. In fact, the Pacers have been linked to Zimmerman in some of those mock drafts. The Pacers currently hold the 20th pick overall in the 2016 NBA Draft and could have an opportunity to take him if they want.

Although Zimmerman has a lot of positive traits, many people felt his freshman season at UNLV was underwhelming. He only averaged 10.5 points and 8.7 rebounds in 26.2 minutes per game. He also was not an outstanding defender as he only averaged two blocks and committed three fouls per game. With his physical stature, he should have been much more dominant.

More from Indiana Pacers

His struggles were due to a lack of physical strength. His lack of muscle caused him to struggle against strong opponents. On frequent occasions, he got pushed off the block too easily when working in the post offensively and gave up too much ground to opposing post players on the defensive end.

Zimmerman’s lack of strength has also made him a finesse player. As a 7-footer, he needs to be much more aggressive and physical to be an effective NBA big man. More body strength will help Zimmerman’s development, but he needs to adopt a more physical playing style too.

Zimmerman has other weaknesses, but lack of strength is certainly his most glaring one. Luckily, he is only 19 years old so there is plenty of time to fix that problem.

DraftExpress’ Derek Bodner had a perfect summation of Zimmerman’s value in his scouting report.

"“Stephen Zimmerman has a number of skill sets – mobility, shooting touch, pick-and-roll potential – that are extremely sought after in the NBA, packaged with a 7′ frame, solid length, and a body type that looks like it could add bulk down the line. But every positive that Zimmerman currently has is qualified with some form of concern, whether that’s the need to prove he can extend his range and become more consistent in his jump shot, struggles competing physically in the paint, and concerns about his perimeter defense.”"

While DraftExpress currently does not have him as a first rounder, other analysts and sites still have Zimmerman being selected in the first round. In fact, NBADraft.net had the Pacers taking him earlier in May while HoopsHype still has the Pacers selecting him.

The Pacers could use more low post scoring. Aside from Myles Turner, they do not really have any big man who can create his own shot in the post.

Ian Mahinmi and Lavoy Allen are not reliable scoring options in post. Most of their points come from offensive rebounds and off of cuts to the basket. Jordan Hill can score in the post, but rumors are he will not be back with the Pacers next season.

With the Pacers, Zimmerman would not start immediately and probably would not start at all during the 2016-17 season. While he is a better offensive player than Mahinmi and Allen, the two Pacers are better defenders than him.

Next: Indiana Pacers: Mock Drafts Think Team Will Draft Tyler Ulis

Pacers’ head coach Nate McMillan and his coaching staff would have a tough time give Zimmerman minutes until he gets stronger and further develops his defensive skills.

Essentially, Zimmerman is a project. However, his physical characteristics and upside make him an intriguing prospect to work with. He may not be the best option if the Pacers are trying to win now, but he could be a solid starter for them two or three years in the future.

Home/Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers Draft Rumors: Team Eyeing Stephen Zimmerman

By Kyle Nishida | Jun 1, 2016

The Indiana Pacers held their fourth pre-draft workout Wednesday, and UNLV center Stephen Zimmerman was one of the participants.