The New York Knicks have much of their starting lineup set, but shooting guard is up for grabs. Defense-first Iman Shumpert is expected to fill that role but nothing is guaranteed. Perhaps in an effort to show how serious he is about this upcoming season, he's chopped off his signature flattop.
Shumpert's interesting haircut had made him one of New York's most recognizable athletes, and helped land him a prominent role in Adidas' colorful clothing and shoe campaigns. It looked like a high-maintenance 'do, though, and he might be channeling his efforts into his game these days.
Last season after returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Shumpert's scoring dropped by three points per game, and his assists and steals per game dipped as well. He will have a slew of competitors for the starting two-guard spot, including journeyman Chris Douglas-Roberts, incumbent Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith, and rookie swingman Tim Hardaway Jr.
The most serious threat to Shumpert in this respect is Hardaway Jr., who as a junior with the Michigan Wolverines, averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists a night. He also shot 37 percent from beyond the arc, a sharp upgrade over Shumpert's ability from deep.
Shumpert was involved in myriad trade rumors last season, and has emerged through YouTube as a surprisingly capable rapper. The haircut and rap videos may have done wonders for him off the court in terms of marketability and public exposure, but Knicks coach Mike Woodson is a no-nonsense leader.
This offseason he scolded Smith for his off-court antics, drug suspension and bizarre decision to dye his hair blonde. Woodson said of Smith, "At the end of the day he's got to do the right thing by J.R. and his teammates, and me as a coach and this organization and the fans that support him. I mean, that's what it's all about. He's got to grow up and do the right things."
Perhaps Shump is taking the right cues, and making moves to ensure he's one of the first five Knicks on the court every night.
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