Mike Woodson says he likes Iman Shumpert

Mar 21, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson talks with guard Iman Shumpert (21) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks defeated the Sixers 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The Knicks are 3-10 on the season, and the panic button has officially been pushed in New York. Fans are looking for a scapegoat, and Mike Woodson is the man who is first on many people’s list.

Owner James Dolan has said that he will be patient, but it is clear that they need some serious help if they are going to turn things around. Iman Shumpert seems to be their only trade asset, and he has been rumored to be on the market. Shumpert told me that the rumors made him angry, and there is a whole soap opera revolving around the player.

Woodson has been hard on Shumpert this season, and many people speculate that the relationship may not be good between the player and the coach. Woodson vehemently denied those rumors, via the New York Post:

"“If I didn’t like him, I don’t think he’d be averaging 30 minutes on my ballclub,’’ Woodson said testily. “ You got to look at that. I like everybody on our team. So that perception is bull— if you ask me. If I didn’t think much of the man, he wouldn’t be playing. If I don’t think much of you, you’re not going to play.“I’m going to play guys I like and think can help us win and who play hard. He’s one of those kids. That’s why he’s been a starter on this team since he’s been a rookie. That perception is bull—- if you ask me.’’When asked if he got that message across to Shumpert, Woodson said, ““He knows how I feel. That’s all that counts.’’“If I didn’t like him, I don’t think he’d be averaging 30 minutes on my ballclub,’’ Woodson said testily. “ You got to look at that. I like everybody on our team. So that perception is bull— if you ask me. If I didn’t think much of the man, he wouldn’t be playing. If I don’t think much of you, you’re not going to play.“I’m going to play guys I like and think can help us win and who play hard. He’s one of those kids. That’s why he’s been a starter on this team since he’s been a rookie. That perception is bull—- if you ask me.’’When asked if he got that message across to Shumpert, Woodson said, ““He knows how I feel. That’s all that counts.’’"

Clearly Woodson is ticked off about the whole thing, and pressure is running high for these guys. It wouldn’t surprise me if they traded Shumpert, but according to Woodson, it won’t be because of him.

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