Based on the recent comments of New York Knicks president Phil Jackson, guard Iman Shumpert isn't on the trade block. Jackson called Shumpert one of his favorite players on the roster because of his defense and believes the 2-guard will excel in the triangle offense.
It seemed like a foregone conclusion Shumpert would be off the team at some point, either through a trade or by the Knicks not re-signing him when he becomes a restricted free agent in July. But, based on what Jackson told ESPN, Shumpert might not be going anywhere.
"Even though Iman Shumpert was in [former Knicks coach] Mike Woodson's dog house for much of last season, he's one of my favorites because he's simply our best on-ball defender at the 2 position and also against the bigger 1s," Jackson said Wednesday. "Once he learns the intricacies of the offense, Iman will be able to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and, unlike last season, he'll know where his own shots will come from.
"Iman is an excellent driver but his shooting mechanics are very inconsistent. Sometimes he jumps too high to release his shot and sometimes he doesn't jump high enough. As a result, he never shoots the same shot twice."
Nobody has ever questioned Shumpert as a defender, but his offense has always been lacking. He told reporters earlier in the summer he was studying Jackson's new offense, and if he can hit open shots this season, he could earn himself another year to prove he's the right 2-guard for Jackson.
As for trades, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the latest team reportedly to be considering making a deal for Shumpert.
It seems unlikely anything will happen, though. His name was routinely mentioned in almost every Knicks trade rumor last season. New York - be it from lack of trying or just the inability to find a suitor - was never able to move Shumpert in any package, and this year will likely be no different, especially given Jackson's seemingly newfound fondness for him.
