Iman Shumpert Will Leave A Lasting Legacy On The Sacramento Kings
Image: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
The legacy of Iman Shumpert will live on in Sacramento. Despite being traded to Houston, he’s still one of the most beloved athletes in the cities history. That love and admiration is a feeling that can’t be replaced. The Sacramento Kings might not have had a superstar in Shumpert, but it sure felt like they did.
Shumpert doesn’t wow anyone on the stat sheet. His averages of 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists might seen a bit pedestrian. Stats don’t tell the story with Shumpert, though. He was a locker room leader, helping the Kings get within inches of a playoff berth. There aren’t many pro basketball players that take on that leadership role.
Look at someone such as LeBron James. He’s the greatest player of all-time. He’s far from the greatest teammate. Iman won a title with James in Cleveland. None of James’s bad habits rubbed off on Shumpert. In fact, the two seem to be polar opposites. I’d take a locker room leader like Shumpert over James any day for a young team with emerging stars such as Sacramento.
Shumpert brought a culture to a young Sacramento Kings team. The “Scores” nickname embodied the team’s fast-paced play. Shumpert was asked about the nickname, telling Brian Witt of NBC Sports the following.
“I think calling us the ‘Scores’ just is a little reminder for everybody that, you know, we all can do it. We can all score the ball. It doesn’t matter who scores it, we just gotta win.”
The quote says a lot about Shumpert’s attitude towards the team. He’s not selfish by any means. In fact, Shumpert even said he’d be rooting for the Kings to make the playoffs. It’s a love affair the city of Sacramento, the Sacramento Kings,
and Shumpert that won’t change regardless of where their paths take them.
Giving up Iman Shumpert was a tough call for Sacramento Kings General Manager, Vlade Divac. The Kings now have a roster more equipped for the playoff run. Shumpert gets to play for a Western Conference title contender. It worked out for both in the end, but, his presence will be missed.
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
