Stiemsma attended Randolph High School in Randolph, Wisconsin where he led the Rockets to Division 4 state titles as a sophomore, junior and senior. 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. In November 2003, he signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for the University of Wisconsin–Madison. 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.
College career
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. Later that month, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he was later waived by the Cavaliers on October 2, 2010. Three days later, he signed a two-year deal with Türk Telekom of the Turkish Basketball League.
2011–12 season
On August 21, 2011, Stiemsma signed with BC Sukhumi of the Georgian Superliga but left before appearing in a game for them. On November 2, 2011, he was reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
On December 9, 2011, Stiemsma signed with the Boston Celtics. 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. In March 2012, he signed a sponsorship deal with Nike. On June 29, 2012, the Celtics extended a $1.05 million qualifying offer to Stiemsma, thereby making him a restricted free agent.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2012–2013)
On July 21, 2012, Stiemsma received an offer sheet from the Minnesota Timberwolves. 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. On August 2, 2012, he officially signed with the Timberwolves. On July 7, 2013, he was waived by the Timberwolves.
On September 4, 2014, Stiemsma signed with the Toronto Raptors. On September 24, 2015, Stiemsma signed with the Orlando Magic. 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. On September 12, 2016, Stiemsma signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, but was waived on October 21 after appearing in four preseason games.
Coaching career
Minnesota Timberwolves (2019–present)
On September 12, 2019, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that they had named Stiemsma as player development associate.
NBA career statistics
Regular season
Playoffs
International career
In 2011, Stiemsma earned a bronze medal with Team USA at the Pan American Games where he led the tournament in field goal percentage and was second in the tournament in blocked shots with 11.
Personal life
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. He is of Dutch origin. He has admitted to suffering from depression.
