Shumpert may be dead, or at least missing, by the time you read this, having had the gall to question Carmelo Anthony's horrid defense against the Pelicans on Sunday. Iman: If you're reading this from a public library in Alaska somewhere, wearing a fake beard and glasses, please be well.

Shumpert has stalled out as a Knick. You could go entire 10-minute spans without even noticing he's on the floor, especially since he cut his delightful high flattop — probably because some member of James Dolan's band found it distasteful.

Shumpert has used 12.7 percent of New York's possessions this season. That is almost unfathomable for a perimeter player who can, you know, dribble the basketball. Over the last two seasons, only 14 guys have averaged at least 25 minutes per game while using so few of their team's possessions. Most of them are big men with zero range (DeAndre Jordan, Tyson Chandler, Robin Lopez, the ghost of Kendrick Perkins) or catch-and-shoot types on loaded teams (Jared Dudley this season, Jason Kidd last season, Thabo Sefolosha in both).

Basically, Shumpert never gets the ball. He touches the rock just 1.4 times per minute on the floor, according to SportVu tracking data.

Look: Shumpert isn't an ace pick-and-roll guy. He's uncomfortable on the play, prone to wild passes, and capable mostly of only the simplest stuff. He's been a bit of a ball-stopper when he's gotten the ball this season, dancing with it before hoisting a long 2-point jumper.3

But, man, you long to see this guy in a different offense. This season's Knicks are dreadful to watch. No team devotes a higher share of possessions to isolation plays, and when the ball sticks with Anthony or J.R. Smith, defenses can stop and set themselves. When the ball gets to Shumpert, his defender is usually right there, with no ground to cover, perfectly balanced in Shumpert's grill.

And that's a shame, because Shumpert has shown he can attack a defender scrambling to close out on him as he catches the ball. It's hard for defenders rushing at shooters to stop their momentum, and Shumpert can drive by them, slice into gaps, and either score or kick the ball elsewhere. He's a fundamentally unselfish player, happy to make the extra pass, though he has veered a bit toward me-first stuff at times this season — bad shots and highlight-reel dishes when something simpler would do. Stick this guy on the Rockets and you might have a player.

He's overrated as a defender. He fouls a ton, and he ball-watches, making him prone to back-door cuts along the baseline. He has played a role in the endless breakdowns in switching and communication that have plagued the Knicks. But he's feisty, and the foundation is there, waiting for a team who can teach better habits.

A fair assessment. Honestly, I'm almost hoping that Shumpert does get traded so he doesn't go down with the rest of this sinking ship. Going to an honest to god professional NBA team with competent coaches and front office would do wonders for him. I wonder if San Antonio would be interested?

VCoug wrote:http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10070788/the-young-nba-players-looking-make-leap-greatness

Shumpert may be dead, or at least missing, by the time you read this, having had the gall to question Carmelo Anthony's horrid defense against the Pelicans on Sunday. Iman: If you're reading this from a public library in Alaska somewhere, wearing a fake beard and glasses, please be well.

Shumpert has stalled out as a Knick. You could go entire 10-minute spans without even noticing he's on the floor, especially since he cut his delightful high flattop — probably because some member of James Dolan's band found it distasteful.

Shumpert has used 12.7 percent of New York's possessions this season. That is almost unfathomable for a perimeter player who can, you know, dribble the basketball. Over the last two seasons, only 14 guys have averaged at least 25 minutes per game while using so few of their team's possessions. Most of them are big men with zero range (DeAndre Jordan, Tyson Chandler, Robin Lopez, the ghost of Kendrick Perkins) or catch-and-shoot types on loaded teams (Jared Dudley this season, Jason Kidd last season, Thabo Sefolosha in both).

Basically, Shumpert never gets the ball. He touches the rock just 1.4 times per minute on the floor, according to SportVu tracking data.

Look: Shumpert isn't an ace pick-and-roll guy. He's uncomfortable on the play, prone to wild passes, and capable mostly of only the simplest stuff. He's been a bit of a ball-stopper when he's gotten the ball this season, dancing with it before hoisting a long 2-point jumper.3But, man, you long to see this guy in a different offense. This season's Knicks are dreadful to watch. No team devotes a higher share of possessions to isolation plays, and when the ball sticks with Anthony or J.R. Smith, defenses can stop and set themselves. When the ball gets to Shumpert, his defender is usually right there, with no ground to cover, perfectly balanced in Shumpert's grill.

And that's a shame, because Shumpert has shown he can attack a defender scrambling to close out on him as he catches the ball. It's hard for defenders rushing at shooters to stop their momentum, and Shumpert can drive by them, slice into gaps, and either score or kick the ball elsewhere. He's a fundamentally unselfish player, happy to make the extra pass, though he has veered a bit toward me-first stuff at times this season — bad shots and highlight-reel dishes when something simpler would do. Stick this guy on the Rockets and you might have a player.

He's overrated as a defender. He fouls a ton, and he ball-watches, making him prone to back-door cuts along the baseline. He has played a role in the endless breakdowns in switching and communication that have plagued the Knicks. But he's feisty, and the foundation is there, waiting for a team who can teach better habits.

A fair assessment. Honestly, I'm almost hoping that Shumpert does get traded so he doesn't go down with the rest of this sinking ship. Going to an honest to god professional NBA team with competent coaches and front office would do wonders for him. I wonder if San Antonio would be interested?

I highlighted the important part of the article -- the part that tells you Shump has few offensive skills, makes poor decisions and has a low b-ball IQ.

I believe Woody, Melo and JR are going down together. Something has to give. I say we do what Dallas did with Hershel Walker. Dangle Melo for a potential block buster trade, where somebody gives up the farm. Hershel was a great player at that time, but after that trade, Dallas won multiple championships.

Melo is great at what he does. He's also difficult to build around. JR is solid, but better in an offensive system with set plays. Woody is a fine coach, just doesn't have the offensive head coaching IQ needed for ISO dominated diva's like Melo and JR.

We have been waiting for him to make the leap for awhile now.

I would take Wilson Chandler over Shumpert right now. Wilson never complained.

ApophisADL wrote:

IronWillGiroud wrote:

ApophisADL wrote:Shumpert isnt that good.

We have been waiting for him to make the leap for awhile now.

I would take Wilson Chandler over Shumpert right now. Wilson never complained.

I'm all for respecting the hierarchy when it is warranted,

but Shump has a brain for himself and I commend his speaking out and telling Melo how it is,

Go Shump

I havent seen Shumpert's lock down D yet this year plus he had knee surgery over the summer.

Guys were hyping him as a possible future PG. Plus Shumpert has difficulty finishing and shooting. So we have a SG who cant shoot.

Dude needs to let his game do the talking.

Pfft,

of all the guys on the team, last man I would heap the **** on is Shump,

not saying you're wrong, but Shump is one of the few guys this year that is worthy of the Knicks jersey

Knicks not only dont develop players, they find ways to make them worse.

This CAA gestapo needs to be busted up

SupremeCommander wrote:why oh why did I purchase an official orange Shump jersey...

At least you didn't buy a Cadillac Williams jersey