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Cleveland Cavaliers Hot Take: Iman Shumpert Deserves to Start

By Nathan Beighle

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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The Cleveland Cavaliers just swept the Indiana Pacers, and that series proved that their forgotten role player, Iman Shumpert, deserves more time.

In Game 4, J.R. Smith, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ starting shooting guard, made an inexcusable behind-the-back pass which almost cost their team the game. Smith has had his moments, but it should be time to pass the starting torch to the always-ready Iman Shumpert.

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It was Shumpert whose presence created a superb game 2 comeback, and it was Shump who has locked down players like Paul George. Although he does manage to get in foul trouble, Shumpert in this last series proved to be a vital X-Factor.

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Obviously Lue won’t be benching Smith, but this past series has shown how critical Shumpert can be as a role player. He played 16.8 minutes per game through the last three games of the series, and he scored just 2.7 points per game. Although his normal numbers aren’t fantastic, Shump has been the King of advanced stats.

His 8.3 net rating is the third best on the Cavaliers. The team plays well with Shumpert in the game, and Smith’s playmaking ability could be used much more along side Deron Williams and the second unit.

This upcoming series against either the Bucks or Raptors will prove just how much of an impact Iman Shumpert had on Coach Lue and his staff. Both of these teams have pivotal offensive players that will need a quality defender, and Shumpert should again be able to show his excellence again.

The thing that I love about Shumpert is his attitude and play. He knows what he should do, which is defend, and he knows how to do it. Normally, with the starting unit, Shumpert makes good decisions with the ball and doesn’t try to force too much which is a good reason for him taking Smith’s place.

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Again, I am not saying it will happen, but I am saying that reversing the roles of these two could help both second unit and the starters.