NBA Mock Draft 2016: Sixers, Lakers Go Chalk; Timberwolves Get Their Shooter

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 23, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack 15 guard D.J. Fenner (15) and forward Cameron Oliver (0) guard UNLV Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) during the second half of their NCAA basketball game at Lawlor Events Center. Nevada won 65-63. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports.
Jan 23, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack 15 guard D.J. Fenner (15) and forward Cameron Oliver (0) guard UNLV Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) during the second half of their NCAA basketball game at Lawlor Events Center. Nevada won 65-63. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports.

30. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV

Andrew Bogut isn’t getting any younger, so it’s time to start looking for a serviceable replacement to fill in. And with Festus Ezeli, Marreese Speights, and Anderson Varajao set to hit the free agency market this offseason, it’s time to get a safety net.

Stephen Zimmerman lost a lot of draft stock during his time at UNLV, but there are still signs that he can become a decent player in today’s NBA – starting with his jumper. The kid can hit the midrange shot fairly well, and, in due time, should expand his range to the three point line. And that would be death to the NBA for a 6-foot-11 center on the league’s best shooting team to do so.

Zimmerman, on the negative end, needs to bulk up. And we see that in his play; he’s not meant to be a bruiser, by any means, but he will sometimes shy away from physical contact (practicing with Bogut, however, should change that).

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He also struggles with consistency and finding his niche in a game. But he has the size, athleticism, and instincts to become a player on the league’s top team.