By Josh Cohen July 2, 2016
Stephen Zimmerman is a natural lefty but he isn’t afraid to drive right and finish with his weaker hand. In the play featured below, Zimmerman uses a nifty spin move to throw his defender (Rakeem Christmas) off balance and then scores with a soft baby hook in the lane. WATCH:
Zimmerman is far more athletic and agile than most think. He has a good pump fake, too, which makes it difficult for opponents to predict his movements. In the play featured below, Zimmerman uses the shot fake (defender chooses to contest and respect the jumper) and bursts by his man for the slam. WATCH:
While he isn’t scared of contact, Zimmerman’s lack of strength makes him somewhat of a “soft” screener. Defenders escape his picks a little too effortlessly despite being such a good pick-and-pop and pick-and-roll player. In the play featured below, Zimmerman sets the screen for Nick Johnson and immediately rolls along the baseline for the catch and bucket. WATCH:
Guarding more conventional fours and fives in the post will be a challenge for Zimmerman. However, protecting the rim while serving as the second line of defense is something he can do well right away. In the play featured below, Joe Young blows past Johnson and appears to have a wide open lane before Zimmerman steps in and swats the shot away.
Zimmerman brings a ton of energy to the court and is full of heart and hustle. While he may never be the most intimidating presence inside or the most skilled for that matter, Zimmerman will battle for boards and run after loose balls. In the play featured below, there is no shortage of effort from Zimmerman despite his shots not falling. WATCH:
