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Iman Shumpert deserves more consistant minutes

By Nathan Beighle

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Iman Shumpert has started two games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and in those big minutes, he has proven that he deserves more.

Although Derrick Rose is getting the start at point guard in the absence of Isaiah Thomas, the Cleveland Cavaliers might be better off starting Iman Shumpert. The Cavs have made it through 12 games this season and have a lackluster record of 5-7. As a team, they have yet to find a true rhythm for an array of reasons including an inconsistent rotation, differing starting lineups, and injuries. Iman Shumpert could be the quick solution for the Cavaliers’ struggles on both ends of the court.

There are several strong reasons as to why Iman Shumpert should be the permanent starter until the return of Isaiah Thomas. It’s key to note Shumpert has only played over 25 minutes twice this season, and both times were as a starter. If his minutes are going to consistently increase, it will be by inserting him into the starting lineup.

The first is because of his defensive presence. At 118.5, the Cavaliers current starter, Derrick Rose, is averaging the team’s second-highest defensive rating, and, on the other hand, Iman Shumpert has the lowest rating of Cavaliers that averaged over 20 minutes per game. The Cleveland Cavaliers have had the worst defense in the NBA this season. If the Cavaliers want to finish in even the top four in the East, this must change. To make matter worse, most of the blame can be put on the starting unit. The Cleveland Cavaliers give up an unexcusable 118+ points in the first quarter alone.

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The starters energy is unwarranted, to say the least. Inserting Iman Shumpert, a much better team and one-on-one defender into the starting lineup could certainly help this team not get off to such dismal starts in games.

The second reason Shump should start is because knows his offensive role and capitalizes on the chances he is given. In the Cavs’ most recent game, Iman Shumpert was gifted over 32 minutes and took just six field goal attempts, which opens up more opportunity for the Cavaliers’ true superstar LeBron James on the offensive end. There has only been one game this season where Derrick Rose has shot the ball fewer than six times. The dynamics of these two players are completely different, but playing alongside LeBron James, Shumpert’s shooting and defensive skillset combine to be more vital than Rose’s playmaking.

Here’s one of my favorite plays from the most recent primetime game against the Houston Rockets. Shumpert knows he has the bigger and far less versatile Nene on him, so he does what a guard should do and creates space. Unlike Rose, Shumpert has nice range on his jumper. He takes and makes this shot with ease.

Shumpert, who was an offensive nightmare last season, has shown promise this season. He has averaged 47.4% from the field. While not a volume shooter, the defensive specialist has generally been known for his incapability to be a playmaker and offensive threat. Shumpert has done a terrific job of takes his chances on the offensive end and not forcing anything, another reason he deserves the starting spot over Rose. Rose could take his forcefulness to the second unit and draw the bulk of the use.

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While Rose has proven to be a key asset for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Shumpert can help spread the floor, make wise offensive decisions, and captain the defense. This team needs to be revived, and Iman Shumpert might be the man for the job.