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Despite Iman Shumpert’s Game 2 Performance, He Shouldn’t Be In The Rotation Unless It’s Necessary

By Quenton S. Albertie

Apr 17, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and guard Iman Shumpert (4) react to a call as Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) complains from the floor during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 117-111. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and guard Iman Shumpert (4) react to a call as Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) complains from the floor during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 117-111. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Iman Shumpert played a great Game 2. It doesn’t mean he should be in the rotation.

Iman Shumpert played a wonderful Game 2, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers hold Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George to 4 points in the third quarter with tenacious defense. However, if J.R. Smith is healthy, the rotation should stay the same.

While it’s true that Shumpert kept the ball out of George’s hands for a large part of the third quarter, which was their lowest scoring quarter in the game, George only made two field goals in the second quarter even though Shumpert wasn’t playing. In the first quarter, most of George’s damage from the field was done in the first three minutes of the game.

In fact, outside of switches where George took advantage of Kyrie Irving and Channing Frye’s lack of length or athleticism, George didn’t do much damage in the halfcourt in the first half. Instead, where he did damage was in transition after turnovers from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

These facts lead us to two reasons Shumpert shouldn’t be in the rotation despite a stellar performance in Game 2. The first reason is that it’s highly unlikely that Shumpert is really going to stop George, who is one of the absolute best players in the game right now, from scoring. In fact, I’m not too sure that Shumpert impacted George’s game as much as it’s made out to be. LeBron James and J.R. Smith were equally successful in thwarting George in Game 2 when you look at how George scored.

Off of switches and in transition after turnovers.

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The second reason is that simplifying the rotation to a 9-man rotation full of high IQ veterans makes it less likely that the team will have mental mistakes and timing miscues. Those type mistakes are right up Shumpert’s alley, especially when he loses confidence in his jump shot.

It’s also telling that despite Shumpert playing in the fourth quarter, James was the one guarding George a lot of the time. That means that in the clutch, James’ defense on George will be what the Cavs rely on. Defense that the Cavs can rely on.

In the fourth period, George made 3-7 field goals. All three of his made shots were incredibly tough. Two were step backs over LeBron James while one was a long three that George made with two defenders in his face.

I know that in the NBA world, the narratives change with the wind. That’s why it’s interesting that it seems like people are overhyping Shumpert’s performance in Game 2 to the point where they think he gave the team a lift only he can provide.

Compare George’s performance in the third quarter of Game 2 to his performance in the fourth quarter of Game 1. George went 1-4 from the field in each of those quarters. In fact, the only shot George hit in the fourth quarter of Game 1 was a long bomb from outside with Irving’s hand in his face.

This series, look at how much George defers to his teammates, passing up iso-ball in favor of ball movement in general, even when a player like Irving is guarding him. Look at the type of shots George has to hit even without Shumpert on the court; all are tough and contested.

This is no indictment against Shumpert, who played a great game but the Cavs don’t need Shumpert to play great defense or slow down George. The Cavs were doing just fine without him.

Shumpert filled in well for Smith for Game 2. It doesn’t mean he should be a part of the rotation.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be best keeping the passionate Shumpert on the bench, bringing him off the bench like a fire extinguisher.

In case of emergency.

Related Story: Kevin Love Shuts Up The Haters In Game 2

Do you think Iman Shumpert should be part of the Cleveland Cavaliers rotation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.