King James Gospel
Fansided

Cleveland Cavaliers: Iman Shumpert must take over the second unit

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 09: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers restrains Iman Shumpert #4 after a jumpball in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 09: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers restrains Iman Shumpert #4 after a jumpball in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Iman Shumpert is one of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ strongest defenders, but in this upcoming season, he must also start to dominate with the ball in his hands.

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired both Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith from the New York Knicks to assist the King in these three straight Finals’ runs. Well, it is about time for Shumpert (and Smith) to step up and help take control of this team.

Last season, Shumpert showed games and stretches of brilliance. Excellent decision-making was combined with his defensive prowess to display what a terrific player he could and should become. Shumpert, although he was fantastic for spurts, had a rather disappointing season, averaging only 7.5 points per game in 25.5 minutes per game.

There were some glaring holes in Shumpert’s game last season. For starters, Shumpert didn’t do much offensively when he was in the game. His usage percentage was just 14.% which is the worst of his career besides the 2015-2016 season. While not a convincing stat, it does prove that Shumpert isn’t too involved in rebounding, scoring or assisting.

Along with that, Shumpert has relied far too heavily on his three-point shot. Last season, he shot an insane 53.4% of his shots from behind the arc. Even Curry, who hoists up 10.0 threes per game, only shoots 54.7% of his shots from deep. Shumpert shot just 36% from deep last season. Instead of continually shooting the long-ball, Shumpert should shoot within three feet. That range is the only range in which Shumpert shot over 50% from last season. Surprisingly, only 15% of his shots came from that range.

Shumpert would definitely increase both of these stats if he attacked the basket more. Even when he plays with LeBron, Shumpert could cut and get closer the basket. Shumpert, who was on the All-Rookie first team quite some time ago, still has exorbitant amounts of potential. If he can unlock that potential, maybe he can lead the second unit instead of the often-injured Derrick Rose.

Must Read: Kyrie Irving's power move could backfire

Shumpert’s second unit shooting guard position is a crucial second unit role, and he has the ability to dominate in it. The Cavaliers will need that this upcoming season.