NYKMentality wrote:NYDiva wrote:I don't think we'll see the athleticism & high flying dunks til next season. The explosion he had, that's what will take another year to return. But defense is so much about effort, and the guy is relentless. That's what he'll bring to the table, which will just add to our defensive principles as a team.
Well said NYDiva, well said. An injury such as this one (a serious injury) can also do many of things in regards to a players career moving forward. A blessing in disguise. Chances are, Iman Shumpert has never been as mentally tough, as he currently is today (basketball wise). An injury like this, can slow the game down for young kids. He's had a chance to work on his shot more than ever before during his rehab. Who knows, Shumpert may come back guns blazing as an actual scorer with a very decent/solid shot. This kid is full of heart. Just an overall basketball junkie. Outside of basketball, he really does eat, sleep, ****, rap and dream basketball. During recovery he's worked on his shot and god knows how many hours of film being able to study his own game.
When Iman Shumpert returns, I believe it's safe to say that we're getting a pretty damn good basketball player back in return. We all know this. The number one fear is re-injury, but players can't think like that. He'll have to stay aware at all times but in regards to playing with fear; Shumpert doesn't seem like that type of fighter. As a fan? I won't pull for Shumpert with fear either, I'll just enjoy this kid while his talents are high. If an injury happens, then it happens. It's nice to see how strong of support this fan base has for a kid such as Shump. Plays with nothing but heart. He's earned this support and I believe he's earned our hype until he returns.
Thanks. When I think of Shump, I think of the Valentine's day game vs the Raptors in which his pivotal steal and score put us in a position to come back and win. Most people focused on Lin's GW three, which was indeed huge. But we don't win that game w/o Shump's steal (one of his 4 steals on the night), which changed the entire tone of the game in the last minute, and gave us the momentum.
As long as Shump does what we know he can do, which is give a tireless effort on defense, he will help the team. Like you said, he's still got those arms, he'll still be able to poke the ball away for a steal. He'll still be able to hound his man and slow him down.
I find it impossible not to support the kid. People say that JR Smith reminds them of John Starks; but in terms of passion for the game, heart, and defense, it's Shump for me.