NBA Rumors: Iman Shumpert unhappy with how New York Knicks use him

By Josh Hill | Feb 21, 2014

Jan 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward center Andrea Bargnani (77), guard forward Iman Shumpert (21), and guard Tim Hardaway Jr. look around after coach Mike Woodson (not shown) is called on a technical foul during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 108-98. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Jan 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard Iman Shumpert (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns shooting guard Goran Dragic (1) during the third quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Suns 98-96 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks almost had a deal at the deadline that would have sent guard Iman Shumpert packing, but nothing ever came of it. While the Knicks failed to move Shumpert, he’s starting to voice his displeasure with the team, at least as far as how he’s being used in the system goes.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Shumpert has said that he doesn’t like being used as a small forward in Mike Woodson’s system and feels there are better uses for him on the floor than are currently being explored.

"However, according to a person familiar with the guards thinking, Shumpert feels he can be used better by coach Mike Woodson.Shumpert, according to the source, prefers not to play the small-forward position in the team’s two point-guard alignment. But especially with Andrea Bargnani injured, Woodson wants to roll with a three-guard unit to keep Carmelo Anthony at power forward."

Now, Shumpert isn’t kicking and screaming about this, and he may just be offering up suggestions for Woodson. But a happy player does not suggest changes to the system he’s playing in and it’s clear that the Knicks and Shumpert are not on the same page.

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