Orlando Magic waive Stephen Zimmerman

The Orlando Magic announced Tuesday they have waived Stephen Zimmerman. As Orlando Sentinel scribe Josh Robbins notes, the Magic waived Zimmerman when they did to prevent his contract for the coming season from becoming guaranteed.

Orlando made Zimmerman the 41st overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The UNLV product made 19 appearances in his rookie season, averaging 1.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 5.7 minutes while shooting just 32.3 percent from the floor. He spent a good portion of his rookie year with the Erie BayHawks, the Magic’s NBA D-League affiliate, where he fared far better, shooting 48.5 percent from the floor for 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game in 21 appearances.

Zimmerman’s departure leaves Orlando with Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo as its only big men under contract. Rookie forward Jonathan Isaac may one day be able to play the position, but will need to fill out his 6-foot-10 frame first.

Look for the Magic to add a bargain-priced third center as free agency rolls along.