Taipans sign Stephen Zimmerman

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans are excited to welcome American center Stephen Zimmerman, finalising the club’s 2021-22 roster for the upcoming season. The 2016 NBA Draft Pick joins the NBL after playing in the NBA, G-League and Europe. 

Standing at 7’0” with a 7’3” wingspan, Zimmerman recently won the Czech Republic’s National Basketball League Championship with Nymburk, where he averaged 9.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in 35 games.

Originally from Tennessee, Zimmerman played one year for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before electing for the NBA Draft, where he averaged 10.5 points, the team-high 8.7 rebounds and the team-high 1.9 blocks per game.

He scored double-doubles 17 times in his 26 games, ranking second in the Mountain West Conference in blocked shots and third in rebounding.

In 2016, Zimmerman was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 41^st overall pick in the second round.  As a rookie, he played 19 games with the Magic, as well as suiting up for their G-League affiliate multiple times.

Zimmerman went on to sign with the LA Lakers, before being acquired by the South Bay Lakers as an affiliate player and playing alongside Taipans guard Scott Machado for one season.

The 25-year old has also suited up for the Westchester Knicks and Baskets Bonn in Germany before competing in the Czech Republic, where he finished first in rebounding percentage, second in overall defensive rating and second in blocks percentage for the entire league.  

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said Zimmerman ticked all the boxes he had for a replacement player and says he will bring a championship-mentality.

“The great thing with Stephen right off the bat is that he previously played with Scott Machado, so we’ve got a reliable character check and Scott gave him a glowing reference. We know what we are getting, and what kind of person and player he will be for us,” said Coach Forde.

“He’s a proven defender, and I think he will address any issues we have on the defensive end while also being efficient on offence. He’s just won a title in the Czech Republic, that also included 13 games in the Champions League to make the quarterfinals and we definitely want that winning mentality.

“I like how he’s got a strong desire to get back to the NBA and knows that this is a legitimate pathway to get there. He’s enthusiastic about this opportunity, he’s done his research about the league and Cairns and is excited to get out here as soon as possible.”

Stephen Zimmerman is the third import for the Taipans, joining Scott Machado, Tahjere McCall, Nate Jawai, Mirko Djeric, Majok Deng, Kouat Noi, Keanu Pinder, Bul Kuol, Jordan Ngatai and Jarrod Kenny. The NBL season is set to commence 18 November 2021.