 Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the third round (1st pick) of the 1980 NBA draft, Nimphius took part in Denver's rookie/free agent camp, but was not invited to return for regular training camp.He played 1980–1981 in Europe for Rodrigo Chieti of the Italian Professional League, averaging 18.7 points and 10.5 rebounds in ten games, returning to play with Alberta Dusters of the Continental Basketball Association, where he played 18 games, averaging 13.1 points and 8.7 rebounds.On September 2, 1981 Nimphius was waived by the Denver Nuggets and immediately signed as a free agent by the Dallas Mavericks the same day.