New York Knicks could make Iman Shumpert a starter?

Although the New York Knicks don’t appear interested in giving an extension to Iman Shumpert, that doesn’t mean they’re not going to give him every chance to earn such a deal in restricted free agency.

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While trade rumors have swirled around Shumpert in recent weeks, it doesn’t appear as if the New York Knicks are close to any deal. The team has experimented with him as a ‘big’ point guard in the new triangle offense and Nate Duncan believes he’ll possibly earn a starting spot with the Knicks this season because of his solid defense.

"Shumpert is the best defender of the group, but he’s never quite been the same athletically since his injury and doesn’t do much other than make wide open threes on offense at this point. Still, he’s probably the best defender on the Knicks and has the highest activity level, something Phil Jackson has said this team really needs. I think I would probably start Shumpert just because this team needs some modicum of defense so badly considering Calderon and Carmelo are the likely other starting smalls."

Unlike J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert doesn’t need to score to be effective on the court. He’s also a far supperior defender when compared to Jose Calderon, so it’s easy to see why Shumpert fits in the starting lineup. What position he’ll play is currently unknown though it seems as if shooting guard will likely be his most effective spot despite working on his point guard skills for the triangle.

In regards to a potential contract, it seems as if the New York Knicks want to watch how he performs this year. They’ll still own his rights at season end and it’s unlikely a team will be willing to break the bank for the young swingman, so they likely feel confident they could keep Shumpert in the Big Apple if he plays well.

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