Gregory Stiemsma (/ˈstmsmə/; born September 26, 1985) is an American former professional basketball player who spent four seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played high school basketball for Randolph High School and college basketball for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, before going undrafted in the 2008 NBA draft. A 6'11" center, Stiemsma was known for his defense and shot blocking ability during his playing days.

Greg Stiemsma
Stiemsma defending Kevin Love on January 1, 2014
San Antonio Spurs
PositionVideo Assistant
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (1985-09-26) September 26, 1985 (age 39)
Randolph, Wisconsin, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Listed weight260 lb (118 kg)
Career information
High schoolRandolph (Randolph, Wisconsin)
CollegeWisconsin (2004–2008)
NBA draft2008: undrafted
Playing career2008–2015
PositionCenter
Number54, 34
Coaching career2019–present
Career history
As player:
2008–2009Oyak Renault
2009Seoul SK Knights
2009–2010Sioux Falls Skyforce
2010–2011Türk Telekom
2011Sioux Falls Skyforce
2011–2012Boston Celtics
2012–2013Minnesota Timberwolves
2013–2014New Orleans Pelicans
2014–2015Toronto Raptors
As coach:
2019–2021Minnesota Timberwolves (Player Development Associate)
2021-presentSan Antonio Spurs (Video Assistant)
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Men's Basketball
Representing  United States
Pan American Games
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Guadalajara National team

High school career

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Stiemsma attended Randolph High School in Randolph, Wisconsin where he led the Rockets to Division 4 state titles as a sophomore, junior and senior.[1] As a junior in 2002–03, he earned first-team all-state honors after averaging 14.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.5 blocks and 2.7 assists per game.[2]

In November 2003, he signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for the University of Wisconsin–Madison.[3]

As a senior in 2003–04, he was limited to just 18 games due to right knee injury but still managed to earn third-team Associated Press all-state honors after averaging 11.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game.[2]

College career

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In his freshman season at Wisconsin, Stiemsma played just 10 games after missing the first six weeks of the season with a right foot injury. In those 10 games, he averaged just 1.1 points per game.[2][4]

In his sophomore season, he was again disrupted, managing just 16 games after he was deemed ineligible to play during the second semester due to poor grades. Stiemsma was later diagnosed with depression as a result of his poor academic performance.[5] Despite this, he still finished the season first on the team in total blocks with 24. In those 16 games, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.[2][4]

In his junior season, he played out his first full season, playing 34 of the 36 games while averaging 2.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.[2][4]

In his senior season, led the team with 40 blocks, while recording four double-digit scoring performances, including a career-high 14 points in the NCAA tournament against Kansas State. In 35 games, he averaged 3.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.[2][4]

College statistics

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2004–05 Wisconsin 10 0 2.7 .833 .000 .500 .6 .0 .1 .2 1.1
2005–06 Wisconsin 16 0 11.7 .553 .000 .429 2.8 .9 .4 1.5 2.8
2006–07 Wisconsin 34 0 9.9 .500 .000 .808 1.6 1.1 .1 .9 2.2
2007–08 Wisconsin 35 7 11.5 .548 .000 .826 3.1 .7 .4 1.1 3.5

Professional career

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Early years (2008–2011)

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2008–09 season

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Stiemsma went undrafted in the 2008 NBA draft. In August 2008, he signed with Oyak Renault of Turkey for the 2008–09 season.[6] In February 2009, he left Oyak and signed with the Seoul SK Knights of South Korea for the rest of the season. On April 11, 2009, he was acquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League.

2009–10 season

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In July 2009, Stiemsma joined the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2009 NBA Summer League. On November 1, 2009, he was reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce. On April 13, 2010, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the rest of the season.[7]

2010–11 season

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In July 2010, Stiemsma joined the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2010 NBA Summer League. On September 10, 2010, he was waived by the Timberwolves before appearing in a game for them.[8] Later that month, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.[9] However, he was later waived by the Cavaliers on October 2, 2010.[10] Three days later, he signed a two-year deal with Türk Telekom of the Turkish Basketball League.[11]

2011–12 season

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On August 21, 2011, Stiemsma signed with BC Sukhumi of the Georgian Superliga[12] but left before appearing in a game for them. On November 2, 2011, he was reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[13]

Boston Celtics (2011–2012)

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Stiemsma with the Boston Celtics

On December 9, 2011, Stiemsma signed with the Boston Celtics.[14] On December 28, 2011, he made his NBA debut, recording 2 points, 6 blocks and 4 rebounds in a 78–97 loss to the New Orleans Hornets.[15] In March 2012, he signed a sponsorship deal with Nike.[16]

On June 29, 2012, the Celtics extended a $1.05 million qualifying offer to Stiemsma, thereby making him a restricted free agent.[17]

Minnesota Timberwolves (2012–2013)

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On July 21, 2012, Stiemsma received an offer sheet from the Minnesota Timberwolves.[18] Two days later, the Celtics withdrew their qualifying offer to Stiemsma, clearing the way for the Timberwolves to sign him as an unrestricted free agent.[19] On August 2, 2012, he officially signed with the Timberwolves.[20]

On July 7, 2013, he was waived by the Timberwolves.[21]

New Orleans Pelicans (2013–2014)

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On July 10, 2013, Stiemsma signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.[22] On April 14, 2014, he was waived by the Pelicans.[23]

Toronto Raptors (2014–2015)

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On September 4, 2014, Stiemsma signed with the Toronto Raptors.[24]

On September 24, 2015, Stiemsma signed with the Orlando Magic.[25] However, due to an Achilles' tendon strain, Stiemsma was prevented from playing early in the preseason, appearing in a total of two exhibition games for the Magic, collecting 1.5 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game. He was subsequently waived by the Magic on October 22 prior to the start of the regular season.[26][27]

On September 12, 2016, Stiemsma signed with the Portland Trail Blazers,[28] but was waived on October 21 after appearing in four preseason games.[29]

Coaching career

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Minnesota Timberwolves (2019–2021)

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On September 12, 2019, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that they had named Stiemsma as player development associate.[30]

San Antonio Spurs (2021-present)

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Stiemsma worked as a video assistant in the film room with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021. He was part of their 2022 Summer League coaching staff and later received a promotion in Player Development.[31]

NBA career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2011–12 Boston 55 3 13.9 .545 .000 .707 3.2 .5 .7 1.5 2.9
2012–13 Minnesota 76 19 15.9 .457 .000 .768 3.4 .4 .6 1.2 4.0
2013–14 New Orleans 55 20 18.3 .574 .000 .594 4.1 .7 .6 1.0 2.9
2014–15 Toronto 17 0 3.9 .750 .000 .500 .9 .2 .1 .0 .8
Career 203 42 15.0 .509 .000 .705 3.3 .5 .6 1.1 3.2

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2012 Boston 19 0 7.5 .667 .000 .667 2.2 .3 .2 .6 1.5
Career 19 0 7.5 .667 .000 .667 2.2 .3 .2 .6 1.5

International career

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In 2011, Stiemsma earned a bronze medal with Team USA at the Pan American Games[32] where he led the tournament in field goal percentage (.889) and was second in the tournament in blocked shots with 11.[33]

Personal life

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Stiemsma is the son of Rick and Sharry Stiemsma, and has one sister, Erin. He is married to his wife Emily and they have a daughter together.[2] He is of Dutch origin.[34] He has admitted to suffering from depression.[35]

References

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  1. ^ Cullen, Eric (March 22, 2004). "Stiemsma's Randolph Rockets secure 3rd-straight title". BadgerHerald.com. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Greg Stiemsma Bio". uwbadgers.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  3. ^ "Badgers score 3 freshmen". BadgerHerald.com. November 13, 2003. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d "Greg Stiemsma Stats". Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  5. ^ "Greg Stiemsma, age 26, NBA player, major depression". FamilyAware.org. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  6. ^ "Stiemsma to play pro ball in Turkey". uwbadgers.com. August 15, 2008. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  7. ^ "Wolves Sign Greg Stiemsma". NBA.com. April 13, 2010. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  8. ^ "Timberwolves waive Greg Stiemsma". InsideHoops.com. September 10, 2010. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  9. ^ "Cavaliers Announce 2010-11 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. September 25, 2010. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  10. ^ "Cavaliers Waive Stiemsma". NBA.com. October 2, 2010. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  11. ^ "Turkey - Turk Telekom inks big guy Greg Stiemsma". mlbb.gr. October 5, 2010. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  12. ^ "Shot blocker Greg Stiemsma inks with Shokhumi Tbilisi". Sportando.com. August 21, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  13. ^ "Skyforce Announces 2011-12 Training Camp Invitees". NBA.com. November 2, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  14. ^ "Celtics Sign Greg Stiemsma". NBA.com. December 9, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  15. ^ "Notebook: Hornets 97, Celtics 78". NBA.com. December 28, 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  16. ^ Camerato, Jessica (March 29, 2012). "Stiemsma signs with Nike". CSNNE.com. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  17. ^ Forsberg, Chris (June 29, 2012). "C's extend qualifying offer to Stiemsma". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  18. ^ "Minnesota Timberwolves sign Boston Celtics RFA Greg Stiemsma to offer sheet". MassLive.com. July 21, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  19. ^ "Greg Stiemsma clear to sign with Timberwolves after Celtics withdraw offer". TwinCities.com. July 23, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  20. ^ "Wolves Sign Free Agent Center Greg Stiemsma". NBA.com. August 2, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  21. ^ "Timberwolves Waive Greg Stiemsma and Mickael Gelabale". NBA.com. July 7, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  22. ^ "PELICANS SIGN GREG STIEMSMA". NBA.com. July 10, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  23. ^ "PELICANS SIGN ELY; New Orleans Waives Stiemsma". NBA.com. April 14, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  24. ^ "Raptors Sign Greg Stiemsma". NBA.com. September 4, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  25. ^ "Magic Sign Four Free Agents To Round Out Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
  26. ^ "Magic Waive Greg Stiemsma". NBA.com. October 22, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2015.
  27. ^ "Orlando Magic waive Greg Stiemsma, leaving roster at 15 players for now". OrlandoSentinel.com. October 22, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2015.
  28. ^ "TRAIL BLAZERS SIGN GREG STIEMSMA". NBA.com. September 12, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  29. ^ "TRAIL BLAZERS WAIVE GRANT JERRETT AND GREG STIEMSMA". NBA.com. October 21, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  30. ^ "MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES FINALIZE COACHING STAFF". NBA.com. September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  31. ^ "SAN ANTONIO SPURS ANNOUNCE BASKETBALL OPERATIONS ADDITIONS AND PROMOTIONS". NBA.com. September 23, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  32. ^ "U.S. Men Win Team Bronze Medal At 2011 Pan Am Games". usagym.org. October 25, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  33. ^ Sannicandro, Nick (January 6, 2012). "Full Stiem Ahead: Celtics Rookie Stiemsma Recognizes Dream". clnsradio.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  34. ^ Doyle, Bill (January 8, 2012). "NBA: Boston Celtics' Greg Stiemsma can block with best". Telegram.com. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  35. ^ Greg Stiemsma
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