Iman Shumpert Should Play More and Talk Less

Iman Shumpert has been largely disappointing since the Cavaliers inked him to a 4-year, $40 million contract in July 2015. Last year, in his first full season with the Cavaliers, Shumpert shot less than 38% from the field and less than 30% from beyond the three-point arch. In 16 games this season, Shumpert’s numbers are the most efficient of his career. Shumpert is shooting just over 47% from the field and just over 43% from behind the three-point arch. Still, he is only adding 6.5 points per game and not much else in terms of numbers.

Cavalier bench regulars Shumpert, Channing Frye, Richard Jefferson, and Mike Dunleavy are averaging a combined 22 points per game. Given the Cavaliers have been involved in a few blowouts recently, that number has been heavily inflated. The reality is that, outside of Frye, the Cavaliers have yet to get consistent scoring from their second unit, which features Shumpert.

According to a report from AmicoHoops, the Cavaliers are “disappointed” with Shumpert. The report went on to say that “One league source said Shumpert has become ‘all about the lifestyle,’ and not so much the basketball” and that “The Cavs have explored trading Shumpert. Frankly, no one else really wants him at this point.”

After his team won the NBA Championship, Shumpert definitely made his rounds. In September, he and his wife Teyana Taylor were a major topic of conversation at New York Fashion Week. Because of his unique style, Shumpert was crowned “New York Fashion Week’s biggest risk-taker” by Vogue. 

Shumpert has surely used his platform to his personal advantage. Unfortunately, though, his play on the court has likely suffered because of it. With all his off-the-court distractions, it is hard to blame the Cavs for wanting to get rid of him. It is even more difficult to blame other teams for not wanting to take him on.

Recently, in an interview with Complex, Shumpert had some strong words for the Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green, telling the magazine just what he plans the Cavaliers are going to do to the Warriors if and when the two teams meet up for NBA Finals in June. In the same interview, Shumpert said he would not visit Donald Trump’s White House should the Cavaliers find themselves champions once again.

Without a doubt, Shumpert is enjoying his fame and using that fame to sell his unique image. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers are paying him to play basketball–not to talk about other teams, make political comments, or sell clothing. The image that Shumpert is putting out is that of a celebrity promoting his brand rather than one of an NBA basketball player who is serious about his craft.

If there is a glaring weakness with the Cavaliers, it is without a doubt their depth. Shumpert is a major part of the problem. Should the Cavaliers find a trade partner for him, Shumpert’s comments regarding the Warriors will be a moot point. Until that happens, however, Shumpert could go a long way in helping the Cavaliers repeat by worrying a little less about off-court business and more about his contribution to the team.